The new HW12 registration plates hit Island roads yesterday (Thursday). Ready for delivery a at Hale Common Suzuki. Picture by Peter Boam.
NEW HW12-plate vehicles went on sale on Thursday, as Island motor dealers geared up for what is probably their busiest month of the year.
Industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) expects around 350,000 new cars to be registered nationally during March, with motorists spending in the region of £5 billion on the latest new vehicles.
March is the biggest month for dealers across the UK and accounts for almost a fifth of the year’s trade with the other plate-change month of September traditionally the second busiest. More than 300 technology-packed models are currently on the market, representing one of the biggest ever choices for UK motorists.
Improved technology means average new car CO2 emissions are now 138g/km, with official miles per gallon figures typically exceeding 50mpg.
"The March market holds a great deal of significance for the UK’s franchised dealer network, motorists and the wider economy," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.
"More than 350,000 vehicles will be registered in the month, with private motorists and business buyers capitalising on the ever-increasing levels of fuel efficiency, safety, comfort and practicality of today’s vehicles."
Silver and blue coloured cars are expected to make up the lion’s share of March registrations, with the super-mini segment accounting for more than a third of all sales. More than a fifth of new cars have digital radio fitted as standard, as consumers look ahead to the planned 2015 switchover.
More hybrid, pure electric and bio-fuel models are available than ever before and are expected to take an increasing share of the new car market this year.