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?
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.
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%.
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.
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
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?
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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