People carriers remain popular in the East Midlands

News release

Contact:
Serj Heera
Press Relations Executive, Automotive & Insurance
+44 (0) 115 976 8945 Tel
serjeet.heera@uk.experian.com Email

people carriers remain popular in the East midland

Nottingham, UK, 12 December 2008 - As used car sales during quarter three saw their biggest fall in the East Midlands, sales of used MPVs remained strong, according to the latest used car sales statistics from Experian^®, the global information services company.

The total number of used cars sold during July, August and September fell by 7.7 per cent throughout Great Britain.  Used car sales in the East Midlands, however, fell by 8.2 per cent - the region’s highest drop in sales during 2008 so far.  Despite falling used car sales, sales of used MPVs in the East Midlands rose by 6.6 per cent.  it was the only used car segment to see sales grow.

Other key changes in the East Midlands’ used car market during quarter three.

·         Sales of used Volkswagen, BMW, Honda and Mercedes-Benz cars fell for the first time during quarter – in the previous two years, they were the only ones to see sales rise.

·         Sales of used diesel cars fell for the first time.

·         Alternative fuel used cars continued to see sales grow.

• The biggest fall in sales came from the used luxury segment.
• Cars falling into the six to nine years age group saw the highest drop in sales. 

Kirk Fletcher, Managing Director of Experian’s Automotive division, said: “The more expensive to run cars, such as the luxury, 4x4, executive and upper medium segments, are seeing the biggest downturn in sales. 

“Although sales of these segments are slowing down, sales have nonetheless still been made.  If we look further down the country to London, for example, sales of 4x4s are still strong. 

“Our advice to dealers is to re-evaluate their stocking policies by using market insight to help them make better informed decisions.  Feedback from our clients highlights the value of knowing what type of vehicle is selling the most in certain areas and using this information to review and manage their stocking policies.  Experian’s MarketView Online has enabled our clients to do just that, by giving them greater insight into exactly what people are buying and where, to help them deliver sustained growth in the face of tough trading conditions.”

Source: Experian’s MarketView Online and DVLA

 Source: Experian’s MarketView Online and DVLA

Source: Experian’s MarketView Online and DVLA

Source: Experian’s MarketView Online and DVLA

ENDS