Top 10: UK car sales Q1 2015

734,588 new cars were registered in the UK during the first quarter, according to stats just released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

As expected, the plate-change in March was responsible for most of that volume. Indeed, there were 492,774 registrations recorded with the ‘15’ age identifier, making March 2015 the best single month since 1999.

Year-on-year, the quarter’s volumes rose by 46,466 units. Interestingly, almost 92% of that increase came from the Fleet and Business sectors combined. Private sales remained relatively static.

Taking a positive slant, such growth could indicate economic recovery and confidence. However, it’s also worth remembering that the Fleet and Business categories can be used to hide pre-registrations, demonstrators, daily rentals and other figure-massaging activities.

Compared to 2014, the top ten models list didn’t alter much at all. The most significant movement saw the recently refreshed Vauxhall Corsa climb up into second spot, displacing the Ford Focus. Unsurprisingly, the Ford Fiesta remains the nation’s most popular car.

Vauxhall Corsa 3-Door (2015) Front Side
An update for the Vauxhall Corsa has had
a positive impact on its registrations.

Top 10: Cumulative UK Car Registrations Q1 2015
Position Manufacturer Model Registrations
1 Ford Fiesta 39,804
2 Vauxhall Corsa 29,100
3 Ford Focus 22,287
4 Volkswagen Golf 19,435
5 Nissan Qashqai 18,686
6 Vauxhall Astra 15,009
7 Volkswagen Polo 14,821
8 Audi A3 14,358
9 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 13,975
10 Fiat 500 13,243

Related posts:
Top 10: UK car sales 2014 - winners and losers
Top 10: UK car sales 2014

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