Sales of used 4x4 vehicles strongest in the West Midlands

News release

Contact:
Serj Heera
Press Relations Executive, Automotive & Insurance
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serjeet.heera@uk.experian.com Email

Sales of used 4x4 vehicles strongest in the West Midlands
 

Nottingham, UK, 6 February 2008 - The West Midlands saw the highest increase in the number of used SUVs sold during quarter three in 2007 compared to the same period in 2006, according to the latest used car sales statistics from Experian^®, the global information services company.

Used SUVs remained popular throughout the country, with sales increasing by eight per cent, but in the West Midlands, sales of this segment leapt by 13 per cent during quarter three. 

Kirk Fletcher, Managing Director of Experian’s Automotive division, said: “It was interesting to see that despite environmental concerns and increasing taxes, the popularity of 4x4s had not diminished, especially in the West Midlands.  It seems that negative media attention is still not deterring car buyers from investing in a 4x4.  However, focus has shifted from nearly new used SUVs to older used SUVs.  Sales of SUVs under a year old fell by 14 per cent throughout the country, while the three to six year age range was the most popular (up 14 per cent).”

Used car sales fell throughout the country during July, August and September last year (down 3 per cent), but cars aged up to three years old suffered the most.  The West Midlands was one of the regions to see the smallest overall fall in sales (down 2 per cent), but the highest increase in the sale of older cars (over 6 years).

Kirk concluded: “By the time the third quarter had begun, the base rate had already risen five times to 5.75 per cent – its highest level since spring 2001 – so consumers were feeling the squeeze on their finances.  Sales of ‘big ticket’ items, such as cars, were the most likely to suffer, and they did.  With financial concerns continuing into the final quarter of 2007 (October, November and December), it is likely that another drop in used sales will be recorded for this region.”

Source: Experian’s Business Strategies division and DVLA

Source: Experian’s Business Strategies division and DVLA

Source: Experian’s Business Strategies division and DVLA

Source: Experian’s Business Strategies division and DVLA

ENDS

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