U.K. Sales on Track to Reach Highest Level Since 2008

The U.K. lays claim to being Western Europe’s second-largest new-car market after increased consumer demand pushes November sales up 11.3% to 149,191 units.

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders CEO Paul Everitt says the second-place standing follows growth in the U.K. over the past 10 months and a drop in sales in the other big markets.

The latest result raised the region’s 11-month total 5.4% to 1,921,052 units and has the industry on track for its best result since 2008’s 2.13 million. U.K. volumes trail Germany’s but lead those of France, Italy and Spain.

The SMMT says its full-year forecast of 2.013 million units, as fixed in October, looks to be topped. The industry group for now is holding to its 2013 sales prediction of 2.015 million, but will review its forecast in January.

“The outlook for 2013 remains challenging, but vehicle manufacturers and their dealers will continue to work hard to attract motorists to their showrooms and deliver outstanding value,” Everitt says in a statement.

The U.K. new-car market has grown in every month since March, but nevertheless remains 15% or more below the pre-recession annual volume of 2.4 million units or more.

Ford’s Focus was the country’s best-selling new car in November with 7,495 units, but the Fiesta holds the top position year-to-date with 104,288.

While dealerships are seeing more foot traffic from private buyers, commercial buyers remain comparatively scarce.

SMMT data show commercial-vehicle sales dropped 15.9% in November to 22,860 units, leaving year-to-date deliveries down 5% to 265,959.

Within the CV category, van sales fell 16.4% to 18,975 units for an 11-month total down 7.4% to 223,836. Deliveries in the smaller-truck segment fell 13.7% to 3,885 for the month, but remained up 9.9% year-to-date to 42,123.

“This year has seen the van market re-adjust after bouncing back from recession, while truck volumes have been steady,” Everitt says. “We look forward to next year where greater stability should see the van market return to slow but steady growth.”