• Car production rose by more than 11% to 125,458 in
November, latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers
and Traders (SMMT) reveal, with production up 30% in annual
terms.
• Total car sales grew by
1.8% in 2010 compared to the previous year, although a hoped-for
pre-VAT surge in December failed to materialise. The SMMT predicts
a 5% fall in new car sales in 2011.
• Ford and Vauxhall still
share 26% of the UK market: a long way from the 40% they held 20
years ago, but still a fair outcome against strengthening
opposition such as Volkswagen, which held 8% by the end of
October.
• Fiat could take a majority
stake in US carmaker Chrysler, according to the Italian company’s
chief executive Sergio Marchionne. Fiat already owns 20% of
Chrysler, and Marchionne says strengthening the alliance is a
priority.
• Details have been released
of the first nine electric cars eligible for grants of up to £5,000
in a government subsidy scheme – although only three were ready for
delivery when the scheme started on 1 January.
• Ford’s Fiesta supermini
looks set to emerge as the UK’s favourite car for the second year
in the row, with more than 1 in 20 cars sold in the UK this year
being a supermini.
• Vauxhall will help MG
develop its fledgling dealer network in the UK after signing a
memorandum of understanding with the Chinese-owned
manufacturer.
• More Chinese cars are set
to appear in UK showrooms next year, with Shanghai Automotive to
build three models of cars here and Great Wall to import
three.
• Glass’s has produced its annual top 10 list of residual
values for three-year-old cars – 7 of the top 10 places were
occupied by 4x4s or SUVs.
