Top 10: UK car sales 2018

173,470 fewer new cars were registered in the UK during 2018 versus 2017, according to figures just published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Such a serious decline raises one key question: does it signify a downward trend that could continue into 2019 and beyond, or are volumes merely returning to the annual levels typically seen before the 2007-2008 economic crisis?

SMMT New Car Registrations 2002 - 2018

Diesel’s share continued to plummet, thanks to uncertainty about future taxation policies, threats of local usage restrictions and the increased availability of efficient petrol and hybrid alternatives.

However, using that as a sole excuse for the overall drop in sales would be disingenuous, even if anecdotally some diesel owners are delaying their vehicle replacements until legislators provide more clarity.

Total UK Car Registrations 2018 - By Fuel Type
Fuel 2018 2017 Change Change %
Diesel 750,165 1,065,879 -315,714 -29.6%
Petrol 1,475,712 1,354,917 +120,795 +8.9%
Alternative 141,270 119,821 +21,449 +17.9%
Total 2,367,147 2,540,617 -173,470 -6.8%

Total UK Car Registrations 2018 - By Category
Category 2018 2017 Change Change %
Private 1,052,202 1,123,860 -71,658 -6.4%
Fleet 1,222,849 1,319,193 -96,344 -7.3%
Business 92,096 97,564 -5,468 -5.6%
Total 2,367,147 2,540,617 -173,470 -6.8%
Fleet + Business 1,314,945 1,416,757 -101,812 -7.2%

Despite all of the upheavals experienced throughout the year, the top ten manufacturer table ended up looking virtually identical to 2017’s.

Every brand on the list suffered a registrations reduction, though. The three most severely affected were Nissan (-48,519), Ford (-33,314) and Audi (-31,243). In fact, without their combined shortfall of 113,076 units, the total market would have contracted by only 2.4%.

Top 10: Total UK Car Registrations 2018 - By Manufacturer
Position 2018 Manufacturer Registrations Market Share Position 2017
1 Ford 254,082 10.7% 1
2 Volkswagen 203,133 8.6% 2
3 Vauxhall 177,298 7.5% 3
4 Mercedes-Benz 172,238 7.3% 4
5 BMW 172,048 7.3% 5
6 Audi 143,739 6.1% 6
7 Nissan 102,637 4.3% 7
8 Toyota 101,922 4.3% 8
9 Kia 95,764 4.1% 10
10 Hyundai 89,925 3.8% 9

Similarly, the individual model league held few surprises. The Ford Fiesta’s seemingly eternal lead actually extended, while the Vauxhall Corsa rose from fifth to third spot.

Two new entries – the Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage – emphasised the growing popularity of compact SUVs. They displaced the Vauxhall Astra (which was in sixth position last year) and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Top 10: Total UK Car Registrations 2018 - By Model
Position Model Registrations Market Share
1 Ford Fiesta 95,892 4.1%
2 Volkswagen Golf 64,829 2.7%
3 Vauxhall Corsa 52,915 2.2%
4 Nissan Qashqai 50,546 2.1%
5 Ford Focus 50,492 2.1%
6 Volkswagen Polo 45,149 1.9%
7 Mini Hatch 44,904 1.9%
8 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 43,527 1.8%
9 Ford Kuga 40,398 1.7%
10 Kia Sportage 35,567 1.5%

Related posts:
Top 10: UK car sales 2018 - winners and losers
Top 10: UK car sales 2017 - winners and losers
Top 10: UK car sales 2017

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