New car consumer demand returns to growth
New car consumer demand is rising in September, with visits to Auto Trader’s new car platform up four per cent during the month.
Auto Trader has attributed the rise to the September plate change, increased discounts from vehicle manufacturers, and the government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG).
Ford interest
This is evidenced by rising interest in Ford, which has recently become the first vehicle manufacturer to secure the full £3,750 EGG discount under the scheme.
Its Puma Gen-E is now the second most popular new electric car on the platform with a 6.4% share of all brand-new electric car enquiries this month – up from just 0.7% in August – while the brand itself now accounts for 7.6% of electric vehicle enquiries. MG (17.1%) and Renault (8.1%) remain in first and second places.
Across all fuel types, the Chinese model Jaecoo 7 was the most searched for model with 5.8% of all enquiries, followed by Volkswagen’s Golf model (3.7%) and Land Rover’s Range Rover (3.4%).
Discounts
Meanwhile, Auto Trader has revealed that average new car discounts have increased from 9.8% in August to 10.1%, while discounts on new electric vehicles have increased from an average of 11.4% in August to 11.8%.
Bex Kennett, new car performance director at Autotrader, said: “Although the Puma Gen-E is the only model currently qualifying for the full Level 1 discount, over 37 EVs are eligible for the grant, and many other brands also offering their own discounts to compete, resulting in great savings for buyers.
“With four out of the top five most in-demand new electric models on our platform supported by the grant, it’s clear it’s having the desired effect, fuelling interest among consumers on the lookout for their next new car purchase.”
