Positive automotive growth must be maintained, says MAS-WM
The growth of car sales across the UK is “encouraging”, the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands (MAS-WM) has told Insider, but the momentum must be retained by ensuring access to finance is made easier for the region’s manufacturers. That’s according to Rachel Eade, automotive cluster manager at the organisation.
Her comments came as it was revealed the UK had experienced almost 2 per cent growth in car sales in 2010, and Warwickshire-based automotive giant Land Rover announced a 28 per cent leap in new registrations.
Land Rover, which has plants in Warwick and Coventry, registered more than 42,000 new vehicles in the UK in 2010 compared to around 33,000 in 2009. This represents an increase in sales of 28 per cent from the previous year.
Sales increased across all models with Freelander up 37 per cent, Range Rover up 29 per cent, Discovery up 27 per cent, Range Rover Sport up 23 per cent and Defender up 11 per cent.
Land Rover UK managing director Colin Green said: "Increasingly, customers are looking at the bigger picture and considering the overall cost of car ownership before making a purchase decision. Improved fuel economy, combined with excellent residual values, has helped grow Land Rover sales and increase the brand's share of the UK 4x4 market."
"Whilst the retail environment may remain challenging, 2011 will see us build on last year's excellent sales results. We will continue to invest in new product, not least with the launch of the New Range Rover Evoque later in the year."
The manufacturer revealed the results as it was announced that car registrations across the UK has increased by 1.8 per cent.
Rachel Eade, automotive cluster manager at MAS-WM, said: “The growth figures are encouraging to everyone involved in the automotive sector, especially as they are reinforced on the ground with new business and increasing volumes for West Midlands suppliers.”
She added that new jobs and investment in machinery and training would be a positive “knock-on effect” from the upturn.
However, she said: “Manufacturing business continues to return to the UK, but we must still strive to maintain this momentum by ensuring we offer the right specialist support and that access to finance is made a lot easier for the companies who deserve it.”
