Latest news with #newcars
BreakingNews.ie
a day ago
- Automotive
- BreakingNews.ie
New car sales up 2.4% this year driven by electric and hybrid growth
New car sales are up 2.4 per cent so far this year, helped by a surge in sales of hybrid and electric cars. While petrol sales are down 13 per cent and diesel down 22 per cent, this contrasts with a growth of nearly 18 per cent in regular hybrids, a 23 per cent growth in EV sales and a 54 per cent rise in petrol plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). With 79,301 new registrations in the first five months of the year, petrol cars now account for 21,890 sales, ahead of regular hybrids with 18,312, diesel with 13,816, fully-electric cars with 12,392 and petrol PHEVs with 11,608. Advertisement Toyota remains the best-selling new car brand with a 14 per cent market share, ahead of Volkswagen with 11.2 per cent, Hyundai with 9.6 per cent, Skoda with 9.3 per cent and Kia with 7.8 per cent. The best-selling premium brand, BMW, sits in sixth place overall with 4.1 per cent. The best-selling model is the Hyundai Tucson with 3,308 registrations, ahead of Toyota's Rav 4 and its Yaris Cross. Toyota continues to dominate the regular hybrid market, with over 51 per cent market share and 9,414 registration, well ahead of nearest rival Nissan with 1,335. In the petrol plug-in hybrid market, Hyundai is the best-seller with 2,105, just ahead of BMW with 2,010, and Toyota with 1,186 and Kia with 1,185. In the EV market, Volkswagen remains the biggest brand, ahead of Kia, Hyundai and Tesla. VW's ID.4 remains the best-selling model, well ahead of rivals with 1,152 registrations, ahead of Kia's new EV3 in second place with 734. In the commercial vehicle market, van and truck sales are down on last year. Sales of new vans are down 8.8 per cent, with 17,795 registrations to the end of May. Ford remains the biggest brand with 4,361 registrations, ahead of Renault with 2,561. Sales of new tracks have fallen 16 per cent, with 1,780 registered so far this year.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Auto Trader boss says trade war could boost new car sales into UK
The boss of Auto Trader has said the international trade war could boost new car sales into the UK if it becomes more expensive for global manufacturers to export vehicles to other countries. Chief executive Nathan Coe told the PA news agency that while increased trade friction could raise prices across the board, higher import levies could see more cars coming into the UK. He said: 'Depending on where they all (tariffs) settle, you might all find new car prices are slightly higher on a like-for-like basis. 'But the car market is very simple, it's about supply and demand. 'If you look at last year, the number of new cars sold to consumers (in the UK) actually fell and was very low by historical standards. 'So I think the UK becomes potentially a more attractive market, given all the trade wars. It has got a good market, it does buy a lot of cars. 'If it's more expensive to export those cars to other countries, it could well be the UK is a place where we find a few more new cars coming this way.' Mr Coe's comments came as Auto Trader reported that the UK's new car market grew 3% last year, but that was driven by sales of company or 'fleet' vehicles, while sales to consumers fell 4% year-on-year. He said it is 'a very different story' for the UK's car manufacturers, however, with increased export barriers meaning prices will go up and 'people will buy less of them'. It comes as the number of vehicles manufactured in the UK plunged last month to the lowest April figure for more than 70 years, amid a hit from trade tariffs and the timing of Easter. Factories turned out just 59,203 vehicles in April, the lowest figure for that month for more than 70 years excluding 2020, when Covid-19 lockdowns halted production. But the car sales market, which includes imported vehicles, is in better health, Auto Trader said on Thursday, as it saw a 5% increase in the number of cars advertised through its platform, an average of 449,000 per month through the year to the end of March. The group said it saw a 5% increase in the number of cars advertised through its platform, an average of 449,000 per month through the year. And it said consumers made a record 81.6 million visits to Auto Trader's platforms this year. Auto Trader's revenues came in at £601.1 million in the year to March 31, up 5% compared with the previous 12 months, while profit rose 8% to £376.8 million. The growth in both markets comes despite another year of high interest rates and inflation in the UK, which the company said put 'financial pressure' on customers. Mr Coe added: 'Despite broader macroeconomic uncertainties, the UK car market is in good health and we continue to deliver against our strategy to improve car buying and retailing.'
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Auto Trader shares fall 10% as it reveals dwindling retail sales
Auto Trader has claimed Britain's automotive market is in 'good health' with growing new and used car sales, defying another year of high interest rates and weak consumer confidence. The car selling platform said Britain's new car market grew 3 per cent over the last year, mainly driven by more sales for company fleet vehicles, but standard retail sales slipped 4 per cent year-on-year. Amid dwindling retail sales, Auto Trader shares fell 10 per cent in early trading on Thursday. It said it saw 'strong levels of demand for used cars', with 4 per cent more sales this year than last year, but supply levels remained below pre-pandemic levels. Auto Trader said used car pricing had been 'stable' over the last 12 months after declines in the previous financial year. The group said it saw a 5 per cent rise in the number of cars advertised through its platform, an average of 449,000 per month through the year. It said consumers made a record 81.6million visits to Auto Trader's platforms this year. Auto Trader's revenue came in at £601.1million for the year to 31 March, up 5 per cent compared with the previous year, while profits jumped 8 per cent to £376.8million. The growth in both markets came despite another year of high interest rates and inflation, which the company said put 'financial pressure' on customers. Auto Trader said that through much of the year, consumer demand exceeded the supply of used cars, meaning sales tended to happen faster. Nathan Coe, chief executive of Auto Trader, said: 'Despite broader macroeconomic uncertainties, the UK car market is in good health and we continue to deliver against our strategy to improve car buying and retailing'. He added that the company launched a new artificial intelligence product range called Co-Driver, which is helping to speed up searches on Auto Trader's platform. Coe said: 'The first wave of Co-Driver products has already successfully enhanced the quality of adverts, while reducing the amount of time it takes for retailers to advertise their vehicles. 'We see significant potential for the use of AI to improve the buying and selling of cars in the years ahead.' 'We remain confident in the outlook for the business given our strong market position, the value we deliver for customers, and our unique data and technology capabilities.' Having fallen 10 per cent earlier, Auto Trader shares were hovering down 9.78 per cent or 88.00p on Thursday. Mark Crouch, a market analyst for eToro, said:: 'Auto Trader has been something of a hidden gem for investors, though by now, the secret's well and truly out. 'The online car marketplace posted an 8 per cent rise in operating profit over the year, but shares stalled this morning after what many saw as an underwhelming earnings report. 'One of Auto Trader's biggest advantages, beyond its slick new AI-powered Co-Driver tools, is the sheer lack of serious competition. 'As Warren Buffett famously said, a great business has a 'moat' and Auto Trader certainly has that. With margins north of 60 per cent and a market cap ten times that of its nearest rival, makes it the clear go-to destination for online car sales in the UK. 'The UK's digital services tax has proved to be a bump in the road, however with that said, for long-term investors, it's been a smooth ride, and with the company still firing on all cylinders, today's dip may prove more of a pit stop than a sign of breakdown.' Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: 'These numbers are middle of the road by the standards Auto Trader has set itself and the shares are being somewhat punished as a result. 'The sharp decline follows an increase of 23 per cent over the last year for the shares, as compared to a hike of 6.6 per cent for the wider FTSE 100, and continuing momentum which has seen a jump of 44 per cent over the last two years. 'Improving profits bring both higher expectations and indeed valuations and even after this latest drop, the shares are not obviously cheap on a historic basis. 'As such, the market consensus is likely to stay at a hold for the time being, albeit a strong one, as investors assess this disappointment even though the group's continued innovation and dominant UK market position bode well for prospects.'
Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
The best new cars for over-70s that aren't complicated by tech (and one to avoid)
It can be dizzying to climb into a new car these days, especially if you've grown up with the simplicity of vehicles designed in the 1950s and Sixties. Most current models greet you with a bewildering lack of buttons, their functions packed instead into one of the many hulking screens that dominate the dashboard. If you're of a certain age, this new technology can feel like an assault on the senses; trying to understand it all can seem like learning to drive all over again. You may well long for something simpler – and no wonder. However, it's not easy to find a car that's uncomplicated – pretty much every new car has a touchscreen of some sort, for example. But some are easier to understand and operate than others. These are usually those in which 'proper' physical buttons are used in preference to touchscreens, while some have screens but they are clear and easy to navigate. Here are some of our favourites – and one at the other end of the scale that is far too complicated. Honda Jazz It seems like a cliché, but the modern Jazz is still a smart choice for anyone looking to simplify their new car, regardless of age. For one thing, the latest Jazz has all the benefits of previous models – namely, a high seating position to ease access, excellent visibility and intelligently designed rear seats that make it very flexible. This latest model has a touchscreen, but it's not overbearing, while there are separate, physical controls for the heating and air-conditioning, as well as traditional switches for the lights, windows and most other major functions. All modern Jazzes are automatics, too; their hybrid powertrains and excellent reliability record should keep running costs to a minimum. Citroën C3 The latest C3 can't quite boast the simplicity of its predecessor, whose monochrome touchscreen and back-to-basics dashboard layout made it an incredibly easy ownership proposition. But this new version has a simple touchscreen that's easy to find your way around thanks to the on-screen shortcuts. There's a proper climate control panel, too, while a simple, black-and-white readout displays the major driving data. This is particularly gratifying, as it eschews the fancy graphics of most modern 'virtual dials' in favour of a much simpler, easier-to-read solution. The C3 is also one of the most comfortable small cars, with a smooth ride and memory foam seats – and the high seating position makes getting in and out a breeze. But the best thing has to be the way Citroën has made it easy to switch off the most irritating of the nannying driver aids. The buttons for the lane keep assist and speed limit warning, the two systems that are mandated to turn on every time you start the car, are next to each other – so a simple two-fingered press is all that is required to turn them off. Dacia Sandero For simplicity, few cars can match the Sandero. Dacia's Fiesta-sized hatchback has become a byword for budget motoring and, as you would expect with a cheap car, fancy frills are off the menu. The entry-level model doesn't even have a touchscreen – although the alternative solution, with the radio operated using the dashboard display and steering wheel controls, takes some getting used to. Better, perhaps, to go for the touchscreen instead, then – particularly given that the screen is pretty simple to operate, a by-product of the fact that the Sandero doesn't come with many extra features. Dacia Duster …Or perhaps you desire the simplicity of a Sandero with a bit of extra ride height, to aid getting in and out. In that case, you need a Duster. This is Dacia's small SUV and beneath its blocky styling it's both practical and likeable. As with the Sandero hatchback, there's a basic version with no touchscreen, though this only comes with the bi-fuel LPG/petrol powertrain, which adds a bit of complexity back in. To get a pure petrol version you have to go for the next model up, which contains a touchscreen – although, as with the Sandero, that's not necessarily a bad thing given how simple the system is. The Duster is a great all-rounder, with a reasonably comfortable ride and a boot that's a good size. And as with all Dacias, it's terrific value. Hyundai Kona The styling might not be to your taste, but look beneath the skin and the Kona makes a lot of sense. That's particularly the case with the electric version; the excellent range and standard heat pump allow you to go farther on a charge than in some rivals, while the smooth ride will cosset you as you do so. The hybrid is less impressive to drive, but should still offer frugal and reliable service. It's inside where the Kona really shines. There is a touchscreen – but beneath it you will find lots of physical buttons, all banked into clear and intuitive groups to make them easy to navigate. What's more, they are a good size and easy to read, which makes it a doddle to find the function you want on the move. Think of the Kona a little like a big-button telephone for the road – even if you don't find it pretty, it will make your life so much easier that you won't care. Mazda CX-30 For something that combines ease of use with styling that's a little more eye-catching than the norm, the CX-30 fits the bill. Think of the CX-30 as Mazda's answer to the Nissan Qashqai: a tall, SUV-esque hatchback with higher seating that aids access. But unlike the Qashqai, the CX-30 is wrapped in Mazda's signature jinba ittai design language, giving it sweeping curves and a shark-like nose. Inside it's a similar story, the smart interior being clad in high-quality materials. But crucially it's brilliantly laid out, making everything easy to find. What's more, there's no touchscreen. Mazda has banned touchscreens from its cars, believing them – rightly – to be distracting. Instead, the screen is controlled by a central dial that can be used to scroll and select the required function – much easier than trying to prod the right bit of a screen as you traverse a bumpy road. And the one to avoid… Omoda 5 This Chinese SUV might seem tempting thanks to its relatively low price and generous equipment. The trouble is, it isn't great to drive, with a sluggish automatic gearbox and steering that feels as though it's attached to the front wheels only by the hopes of its engineers. But the big turn-off for most will be the enormous touchscreen on the fascia, into which are packed the vast majority of the car's controls. This makes even simple tasks complicated – adjusting the climate control, for example, requires several presses and swipes through the menus. Worse, though, are the driver 'aids', which are far too sensitive, making it almost a requirement to turn them off before you depart – a process that requires a lengthy excursion into yet another sub-menu of the screen. If such things fill you with dread, avoid the Omoda 5. Actually, avoid it regardless.
Malay Mail
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Chow Kon Yeow says Penang buys new cars for state excos every six years
GEORGE TOWN, May 22 — The Penang state government generally purchases new cars for state executive councillors every six years, a practice in place since 2013, according to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The Padang Kota assemblyman said cars over five years old with high mileage often bring safety and maintenance issues. 'The maintenance costs for cars above six years old increased repair costs that are about RM42,144 each vehicle due to the replacement parts from wear and tear,' he said in his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly today. He added that the state has spent almost RM650,000 on vehicle maintenance throughout the usage period. 'This is why the state decided to replace the old vehicles to reduce the costs of maintenance,' he said. He noted that the last time new cars were purchased for the state excos was in 2019. Chow was responding to criticisms from the Opposition over the rationale for the state's purchase of 15 new cars costing RM3,311,745 for its state excos and government officials amid financial constraints. He stressed that the old cars purchased in 2019 are still being used by the state government and have not been disposed of. 'They are placed in a pool and are used by government officers when needed,' he said. He added that even with the old cars in the pool, the number remains insufficient. Chow confirmed on Tuesday that the state had purchased 15 new Toyota Camrys — for 10 state excos, three ex-officio members, and one each for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The new cars arrived in March this year.
