SMMT Winners and losers Sales chart highs and lows

WINNERS Dacia, Lexus and MG managed to beat the sales downturn in 2019

THE publication of 2019’s registration figures by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed the UK new car market fell by 2.4 per cent compared to 2018 – the third consecutive year of decline, and the worst year on record since 2013.

But with 2.3 million new cars finding homes last year, the UK market is still Europe’s second largest (behind only Germany), with some firms performing far better than they did last year.

MG experienced the largest growth, with a 44.5 per cent increase in 2019. That’s from a low 2018 base of 9,000 registrations, but it shows cars like the ZS – with a clear market position, an attractive price and a long warranty – get customers signing on dotted lines.

Dacia, which experienced the second largest proportional growth (31,000 registrations, up from 24,000 in 2018) also gives an example of how to sell new cars: offer the models people want at prices they can afford. The fact the Duster’s platform is derived from the Renault Clio of 1998 also indicates buyers are less fussed about mechanical sophistication than some might think.

And with Lexus the third-biggest winner in 2019 (15,700 cars sold, 26.7 per cent growth) it seems that peerless customer service pays off, as does a focus on petrol-electric power and a clear marketing strategy to go with it.

Things are less rosy elsewhere. The fact Smart only sold 4,022 cars in the UK last year (down 47.3 per cent) poses serious questions for owners Mercedes and Geely, while Abarth’s shrinking share – down by 38.8 per cent – will be linked to its narrow and ageing line-up of hot Fiat 500s. Korean firm SsangYong, meanwhile (1,930 cars sold, 30 per cent down), must be watching MG’s ascent with clenched teeth, hoping models such as the new Korando bring a reversal of fortunes in 2020. PAGE 82: Mike Rutherford on sales