New car registrations for April increase

Fleet sales for April remained static compared to the same month last year, with 72,385 new cars going to fleets, although year to date figures show a growth of 14.7%.

There was a 13.6% decline however in sales of new cars to small fleets (under 25 vehicles) with just 6,050 sold last month compared to 7,004 this month last year, but year to date figures show a 4.4% growth.

On the back of the growth in the overall market, the SMMT has increased its 2010 registration forecast to 1.924 million units. Manufacturer incentives and renewed market confidence look set to maintain some momentum, but concerns about economic stability over the coming months could cause sales figures to decline.

“There are still difficult months ahead, but the strong start to 2010 has led SMMT to increase its annual forecast to 1.924 million units,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.

In the coming months, as 2010 registration volumes are compared with the scrappage-fuelled months of 2009, volumes are expected to fall comparatively.