U.K. Sales Continue to Grow in March, Q1

New-car sales in the U.K. rose for the 13^th straight month in March, climbing 5.9% to 394,806 units, the best volume since the cash-for-clunkers program was in effect three years ago.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says the result pushed the first-quarter total up 7.4% to 605,198 units.

This still was 12.1% below the 2007 pre-recession market total, but the best result since more than 50,000 vehicles were sold under the government’s 2010 scrappage incentive scheme.

SMMT interim CEO Mike Baunton says the better-than-expected first quarter – 2.7% above its forecast – has the organization reviewing its full-year prediction of 2.06 million deliveries.

“U.K. new-car registrations outperformed expectations in March, the first month of the new ’13-plate,” Baunton says in a statement.

“Despite ongoing economic concerns, consistent monthly growth in the market is an encouraging sign of returning consumer confidence as motorists are attracted to forecourts by new models and the latest technologies.”

SMMT says commercial-vehicle deliveries rose 8.1% in March to 48,675 units, taking the year-to-date total up 7% to 78,942.

Van sales climbed 11.5% to 43,684 for the month, leaving the first quarter up 11.7% to 68,882.

The slide in truck sales continued, falling 15.1% for the month to 4,991 units and yielding a 3-month total down 16.7% to 10,060.

However, SMMT Commercial Vehicle Manager Nigel Base says overall CV registrations still show positive performance.

“Truck demand remains weak, but this could be indicative of delayed purchasing decisions ahead of the introduction of new Euro 6 (emissions) legislation later this year,” Base says.

Next week’s 2013 CV show will give operators an excellent opportunity to examine the latest models, he says, as there will be a number of high-profile world debuts and product launches.

The Ford Fiesta maintained its lead in the car segment with 22,749 units delivered in March for a 3-month total of 34,309.

The Vauxhall Corsa took second place for the month with 16,169 sales, but trailed the Ford Focus year-to-date with 24,561. The Focus was third in March with 15,434 for a running total of 25,081.

The Fiesta and Focus results helped U.K. market-leader Ford increase its car and CV sales for both March and the first quarter.

For the month, Ford’s 66,013 total vehicle deliveries gave it a 14.9% market share, and it extended its retail car-sales lead over its nearest rival 22.4%. For the first quarter, overall sales rose 15.0% to 102,686, giving Ford a 19.8% lead.

Ford of Britain Managing Director Mark Ovenden says the important March sales month, when the number-plate change boosts deliveries, spells more positive news for the U.K. market.

Jaguar Land Rover U.K. reported March sales climbed 20% to a record 17,773 units, led by the all-new Range Rover and Land Rover Freelander, up 43% and 45%, respectively.

Managing Director Jeremy Hicks says the strong sales have been driven by new product, model updates and strong luxury-sector demand. “Jaguar U.K. sales are up 24% year-to-date and Land Rover U.K. up 17%.”

Kia sales rose 12.8% in March to 12,608 units, helping the Korean brand achieve its best first-quarter result (19,204) since the height of the scrappage program.

Kia's best-selling product in the first quarter was the Slovakian-built Sportage compact SUV, followed closely by the Picanto, Rio and cee'd.

Isuzu posted record single-month U.K. sales of 824 units. With the D-Max pickup truck range now at full strength in single, double and extended-cab configurations, year-to-date deliveries totaled 1,173.

Isuzu U.K. General Manager William Brown says the D-Max is building on its initial success after its midyear launch in 2012.

“With a renewed focus on the fleet sector as we enter Q2, we are confident that Isuzu will continue to build a strong presence in the pickup sector throughout the year,” Brown says in a statement.