Used car sales hit highest volume in Q1 since 2009

Used car sales hit highest volume in Q1 since 2009

• Vast majority of segments enjoy uplift in sales compared to last quarter
• All UK regions saw rise in sales since Q4
• Electric segment showing significant growth

Nottingham, UK, 1 June 2012 – Experian®, the global information services company, today published its latest Used Car Index. It uncovered that with 1,741,860 used cars sold from January to March, Q1 2012 experienced the highest first quarter figures since 2009 when 1,813,588 units were sold.

The volume of used car sales showed healthy levels of growth for the first quarter of 2012 with figures showing a 14.7 per cent increase compared to last quarter and a 0.2 per cent increase compared to the same quarter in 2011.

All car segments enjoyed uplift in sales compared to last quarter with the exception of the 4x4 segment, which includes the Range Rover Sport and BMW X5, which experienced a 1.3 per cent drop. The MPV segment which includes the Vauxhall Safira and Renault Scenic, saw the biggest rise in sales with 103,415 units sold, a 26.7 per cent increase compared to last quarter.

In terms of fuel type, the electric category clearly led the upturn with both year-on-year and quarterly increases of 29 per cent and 19.2 per cent respectively.

With 78,812 units sold, the Ford Focus was the best selling model in Q1 2012.

Andrew Ballard, Principle Consultant at Experian Automotive, commented: “It’s encouraging that 2012 has started positively. We are pleased to be able to show uplifts in used car sales across the board as well as identifying high performing categories These include the increasing popularity of the MPV while environmental factors and the wider availability of alternative fueled vehicles seem to be driving growth of electric and hybrid models. By using this type of analytical sales data, spotting trends is made easier for dealers who can tailor their stock mix according to both their region and also the current sales environment.”

Source: Experian’s MarketView Online and the DVLA

Source: Experian’s MarketView Online and the DVLA

Source: Experian’s MarketView Online and the DVLA

Source: Experian’s MarketView Online and the DVLA

ENDS

Contact:

Name

Natalie Hale 

0115 992 2645/07971 709274

natalie.hale@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 .