German car manufacturer Volkswagen saw UK car sales plummet by 20% in the last month, as a result of the diesel emissions scandal. The latest sales figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a sharp reversal in fortunes for VW, who had been enjoying a sustained period of growth prior to November.
Audi was the only marque in the Volkswagen Group which didn’t suffer from the dieselgate scandal, despite also using engines with the so-called “defeat device”. Sales of Audis grew by 7%, whilst Skoda dropped by nearly 11% and SEAT saw a 24% decline in the same period.
The wider market saw increasing demand for both petrol and diesel models remains, with respective gains of 3.8% and 3.6%. Alternative fuelled vehicles continue to increase market share, with 2015 sales to date up a whopping 40% compared to 2014.
The Ford Fiesta holds on to its position as the UK’s bestselling car. The Vauxhall Corsa occupies second spot and the all enduring popularity of the Ford Focus gives it third place. Quite who is buying all these Vauxhall Mokkas, is beyond us.
To the one person in the UK who bought a new Chevrolet – we salute you! Yes according to the figures, only one single person in the whole of the UK bought a new Chevvy during November. The future looks bleak for the American brand – ten in total for the year so far doesn’t bode well.
Strong finance offers have been credited to driving demand. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “November’s figures come as a reminder of the strength of the UK car market, as low interest rates and competitive finance deals continue to attract consumers to new car ownership. We have been expecting a levelling-off in demand for some time now – a development that is being realised following an unprecedented three-and-a-half years of non-stop growth.”
November Best Sellers
1 Ford Fiesta
2 Vauxhall Corsa
3 Ford Focus
4 Volkswagen Golf
5 Vauxhall Mokka
6 MINI
7 Nissan Qashqai
8 Vauxhall Insignia
9 Audi A3
10 Vauxhall Astra