4X4s buck the trend as Q2 used car sales volumes lowest since 2005

Biggest and smallest models see increase as sales of electric models fall

25 September 2012 – Experian®, the global information services company, today published its latest Used Car Index, revealing a total of 1,726,627 used cars were sold from April to June this year, compared to 1,761,916 in 2011, representing a drop of two per cent.

All segments saw a drop in sales compared to Q2 2011 with the exception of the biggest, with 4x4 (including Range Rover Vogue and BMW X5) segments enjoying nearly a five per cent increase.  In addition, small cars had a better quarter, with the Supermini segment (including Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta) seeing a 0.75 per cent increase in sales.

Having seen sales consistently increase over recent years, electric models showed a 15.91 per cent drop in sales compared to the same period last year. The hybrid segment, whose best-selling model is the Toyota Prius, still managed to increase sales with 47.26 per cent more units sold compared to 2011. Overall, petrol models still dominate, representing 68 per cent of cars sold..

Scotland bucked the trend with sales up by 0.30 per cent.  At the opposite end of the spectrum, the worst performing region was the West Midlands experiencing a 7.90 per cent drop in sales.

As in Q1 2012, the Ford Focus was the best-selling used car of the quarter selling over 75,000 vehicles from April to June. The Volkswagen Polo lost its place in the top ten as the Ford KA re-entered the best selling models list at number 10.

Andrew Ballard, Principal Consultant at Experian Automotive in the UK and Ireland, commented: “At a time when dealers are looking to take advantage of every sales opportunity, analysing the used car market to identify changes in the best performing segments and understanding regional sales dynamics is incredibly useful. Although the market has experienced an overall drop in sales, identifying resilient segments, such as the 4x4 and Supermini, is exactly the type of insight dealerships can use to acquire the most profitable stock mix.”

Ends

Contact:
Gemma Wright 
0115 992 2645
gemma.wright2@uk.experian.com

About Experian
Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2012 was US$4.5 billion. Experian employs approximately 17,000 people in 44 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil.

For more information, visit http://www.experianplc.com .