Category: car sales

May 01

China’s Plug-In Car Sales Soar to 43% of New Car Market in March 2024

Significant Growth in China’s Plug-In Market

China’s market for plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) experienced a robust 29% increase in March 2024, with nearly 750,000 units sold. According to EV Volumes and researcher Jose Pontes, approximately 743,000 new plug-in electric cars were registered in China that month, marking a notable rise from the previous year. This growth boosted the market share of plug-ins to about 43% of all new car sales, up from 34% in the same month last year.

Detailed Sales Breakdown

In March, registrations of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) rose by 16% year-over-year, reaching around 476,000 units, which comprised 28% of the total car market and 64% of all plug-in sales. Concurrently, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) saw a significant 62% growth, with roughly 268,000 units sold, representing 15% of the market. This impressive increase in PHEV sales underscores the growing appeal of versatile electric vehicle options among consumers.

plug-in-electric-car-sales-in-china-march-2024

Quarterly and Annual Market Trends

During the first quarter of 2024, more than 1.8 million new plug-in electric cars were registered in China, reflecting a 36% rise compared to the same period the previous year, accounting for 39% of the total car market. For perspective, over 8 million new plug-in electric cars were registered in China in 2023, making up about 37% of the total vehicle volume. The sustained growth in 2024 indicates that the market could exceed 10 million units by the end of the year.

Top Models and Dominant Brands

BYD continues to lead the Chinese plug-in market, holding a 29.3% share of the segment, and 31.2% when including its satellite brands. The best-selling models in March included the BYD Song family, the BYD Qin Plus, and the Tesla Model Y. These models also maintained the top spots for the first quarter of 2024, reflecting strong and consistent consumer demand.

Optimistic Future Prospects

With a strong beginning to the year, the Chinese plug-in market is on track for continued expansion. As electric vehicle adoption grows and charging infrastructure improves, the market share of plug-in cars is expected to rise further. This trend benefits the environment and drives technological innovation in the automotive industry.

 
 

Apr 26

The 10 best-selling cars in UK right now – do you drive one of them?

The top 10 best-selling cars in the UK have been revealed by the country’s top motoring trade association.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) released its latest appraisal of the country’s motor industry this week, finding that it has continued to boast positive gains.

In March 2024, the number of registrations increased by 10.4 percent, marking the 20th successive month of growth for the new car market.

The primary source of that positive trend, the SMMT found, was investment in fleets, with Chief Executive Mike Hawes hailing the sales following years for “constrained supply”.

The organisation has crunched the numbers to find which cars sold the best during the latest high-performing month.

The MG HS is a plug-in hybrid SUV released by the British automotive firm – now under Chinese ownership – in 2023.

The vehicle has received high praise for being accessible, practical, cheap, and has a visibly broad appeal, according to the number of new registrations.

The organisation found the car was the 10th best-selling car in March 2024, with 5,460 registered that month.

Tesla Model Y

While Tesla has suffered a few recent setbacks, including a market fluctuation that has forced the firm to reduce its prices, the Model Y, branded the “the car of the future”, has continued to sell well.

The cars – worth between £44,990.00 and £59,990 – come equipped with top-of-the-range EV technology like adaptive cruise control and autopilot.

In March 2024, the SMMT found its sales outstripped the MG HS by nearly 200 new registrations, with 5,602 in total.

Volkswagen Golf

Coming in at number eight is the Volkswagen Golf, a car first manufactured in March 1974.

The 2023 version is just below the Model Y in terms of new registrations, with 5,631 reported in March.

The car will receive a boost later this year, with Volkswagen expecting to release the 2024 iteration in the second half of the year.

Mercedes A-Class

Mercedes has dubbed its A-Class hatchback the “benchmark for modern luxury in the compact class”, with scores of features like wireless charging and 64-colour ambient lighting proving difficult to resist.

According to the SMMT, car registrations for the A-Class approached 6,000 in March, with 5,892 reported that month.

Car enthusiast site Goodwood Road and Racing concluded the car was “one of the best hatches on sale”.

Vauxhall Corsa

Another evergreen entry, the Vauxhall Corsa’s first-ever model was unveiled to the public just over 30 years ago in 1993.

Now, six generations in, the car remains as popular as ever, and its formerly budget status has been upgraded.

Nevertheless, the Corsa still struggled to surpass 6,000 new registrations, with SMMT reporting 5,952.

Apr 22

Car dubbed Britain’s ‘most amazing’ by Jeremy Clarkson on sale for just £15k

A CAR dubbed “the most amazing in Britain” by Jeremy Clarkson can be picked up for as little as £15,000.

The Top Gear star crowned the mid-size saloon as the best in the nation despite it being “one of the most boring-looking”.

The Mazda 3 saloon is available for as little as £15,000 on AutoTrader.
It won praise from Jeremy Clarkson, who dubbed it the 'most amazing car in Britain'
It won praise from Jeremy Clarkson, who dubbed it the ‘most amazing car in Britain’Credit: PA

However, what’s “underneath its invisible skin” makes the Mazda 3 one of the best cars on sale in the UK, according to Clarkson.

Mazda ignores the hybrid systems which make family cars today complicated.

Instead, the Japanese manufacturer focuses on improving fuel usage.

Clarkson wrote in The Times: “What the two-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine in the 3 does is combine the characteristics of diesel and petrol technology.”

You are driving something from a place, a very long way in the future, called, ‘sensible.’

Jeremy Clarkson

The Grand Tour host explained that Mazda had designed the perfect engine which uses fuel more efficiently than a lot of other motors.

The Mazda 3 saloon can go 54 miles per gallon which is more than 15 mpg than the average car in the UK.

Clarkson said: ” You are driving something from a place, a very long way in the future, called, ‘sensible.'”

He added that Mazda’s design trumps the previous turbo and diesel engines in other cars and even the best electric vehicles.

“With Mazda’s tech, there’s no obvious downside at all.

“It’s just a nice, smooth engine.”

Ultra-rare Ford Mondeo once branded ‘one of the most exclusive cars in the world’ by Jeremy Clarkson available for bargain price

Mazda’s chassis was made for comfort and attempts to remove any “bumps and shudders” away from the driver.

“Even the tyres have soft and squidgy sidewalls,” said Clarkson.

He added: “So if you’re a private detective who needs to remain fresh and alert while using a car that’s invisible to tail an errant husband, this has to be your No 1 choice.”

Yet, the Mazda is not just a comfy motor but also a rapid one.

The popular TV presenter said he enjoys “whizzing” around country lanes in it and loves their “old-fashioned manual gearbox”.

The Mazda 3 saloon maintains its simplicity by not complicating the dashboard and has modes for all types of petrolheads that will make driving this family car enjoyable.

Another quality feature in Mazda’s saloon car is its leather steering wheel, which Clarkson said was “tremendous”.

Nonetheless, even the motor dubbed the “best car “most amazing” on sale in the UK still has kinks to iron out, according to the presenter.

He cited the limited space at the back of the car and added that there are “some significant blind spots”.

There isn’t a lot of boot space either, however, Clarkson recommends buying the hatchback if this would be a problem for you.

A lot of drivers spend their time disabling safety features in their new motors.

Yet, it was only on Clarkson’s final day of testing the Mazda that he found a switch that “shuts everything up “.

It is unclear how the Japanese manufacturer has managed to do this under “EU law” but it seems they have found a loophole.

The Mazda 3 saloon is one of the most “impressive and satisfying cars” Clarkson has ever driven and it puts the other electric family cars to shame.

It is available for as little as £15,000 on AutoTrader.

Jan 18

Dacia becomes 10th best-sold car brand in Europe

Renault group reported it sold 562,890 cars under the Dacia brand in Europe in 2023, up 17.4% y/y, climbing to 10th place at the European level. The growth was supported by all four of its key models – Duster, Sandero, Jogger and Spring.

“For the first time in Dacia’s history, the brand is in tenth place at the European level in the passenger car segment, and we are at the top when it comes to retail,” said Xavier Martinet, Dacia’s vice president in charge of operations, sales and marketing of the Romanian brand within the Renault Group, quoted by Ziarul Financiar.

Dacia Sandero continues to be the best-selling model to private customers in Europe, maintaining this position since 2017. Total sales of the model amounted to 269,899 units, up 17.6% compared to the previous year.

With 200,633 units sold, an increase of 1.7% compared to 2022, Dacia Duster maintains its position on the podium of the best-selling SUV models on the European market, and Jogger increased by 65% to 94,095 units in 2023.

With 61,803 units sold in total, Dacia Spring is growing by 26.4% compared to 2022 and maintains its third position in the top of the best-selling electric vehicles in the retail segment in Europe.

Dacia will launch two new models in 2024 – the new Dacia Duster, which will be available to order from March 2024, and the new 100% electric Dacia Spring, with a new exterior and interior design, which will be sold in the summer of 2024.

Nov 20

Are Big Automakers Really Losing Money on Every EV Sold?

How do you want to look at the electric vehicle picture? If we look at just the EV portion of some of the largest automakers in the world, we see this sector loses money on every model sold. Still, despite these losses, most automakers, such as Ford, Stellantis, and GM, post record car sales profits year after year. Does this mean they’re really losing money on every EV sold?

Reports are that automakers like Ford lose money on every EV sale

When automakers break down the numbers to find places to cut losses, the EV sector would be dropped like a bad habit if it wasn’t so new. When automakers change generations of a model, that first model year typically loses hundreds of thousands of dollars until the vehicle recoups the investment money, but electric cars offer a unique challenge.

Ford reported losing $1.3 billion in its third quarter this year, which is a more significant loss than the $1.1 billion lost during Q3 2022. The Autopian reports this could translate to an entire year loss of $4.5 billion for the EV section of Ford. This is likely because electric vehicles are developing and evolving too quickly for sales to absorb the investment costs.

Why could big car companies accept this?

Some big car companies entered the EV sector knowing they would lose money on every sale. In fact, Ford estimated losses for every Ford F-150 Lightning sold, but those losses were actually greater than expected. Chevy initially deleted the Bolt because it wasn’t profitable but brought it back. Stellantis is ready to go full speed ahead in the electric vehicle sector, with the Ram 1500 Revolution EV pickup truck heading to market next year.

Some large auto companies aren’t quite as aggressive as the Detroit Big Three. Toyota is hesitant to enter the market as aggressively, holding back to see where the electric vehicle industry goes. Ford has also since slowed its movement toward adding more electric cars, looking for ways to make EVs profitable before debuting more nameplates.

Most large car companies can accept predicted losses in the EV market because it’s growing, and profits are still being made in other areas. According to an NPR interview between Ayesha Rascoe and Camila Domonske, both GM and Stellantis report larger-than-expected profits overall, despite the negative cost of EVs.

Is everyone losing money on electric cars?

Not all car companies are losing money in the electric vehicle sector. It seems that EV-only companies, such as Tesla and BYD, have reported impressive profits. In fact, Tesla recently lowered the price of its electric cars, making them much more affordable and forcing other automakers to lower prices on their electric vehicles to compete.

Traditional automakers could eventually find a way to turn profits on electric vehicles if a cost-saving breakthrough is made in the EV market. Some expect solid-state batteries to be that breakthrough, enabling traditional brands to lower the cost of making batteries.

Until cost-saving technology is available, traditional automakers must continue to spend money and absorb the losses to stay competitive with names like Tesla, Rivian, and BYD. The name recognition of Ford, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Ram, and Dodge should bring consumers to the Detroit Big Three before an EV-only automaker, but only if the traditional brands continue to expand their EV lineups and offerings.

Aug 19

Top Venues to Maximize Your Car Sale in 2023

Deciding to sell your car at a time when used car values remain high can be a strategic move. However, choosing where to sell can significantly impact your profit and the ease of the transaction. This guide evaluates the best places to sell your car, balancing potential profits with convenience to help you make the most informed decision.

Navigating Your Options for Selling a Car

When contemplating the sale of your vehicle, platforms like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) stand out due to their robust tools and comprehensive services. Autotrader allows sellers to reach a broad audience, offering options to sell directly to dealers or private buyers, complete with vehicle valuation tools from KBB. Though listing fees apply, the inclusion of a free Carfax report adds value, enhancing buyer trust and simplifying the sales process.

CarGurus emerges as another strong contender, especially with its “Instant Cash Max Offer” feature that facilitates quick sales through a competitive bidding system among dealers. Alternatively, CarMax provides a no-haggle, immediate purchase offer, though it might not always be the highest. Both platforms underscore the importance of convenience in today’s digital-first marketplace.

Long-term Strategies for Selling Your Car

For a more controlled sale, eBay Motors and Craigslist allow sellers to set their terms and reach niche markets or local buyers. eBay Motors caters to enthusiasts looking for unique or specific types of vehicles, offering both auction and fixed-price selling options. Meanwhile, Craigslist remains a free, straightforward option for reaching a local demographic, though it requires vigilance against potential scams.

For those prioritizing convenience and immediate transactions, Carvana and Vroom represent the forefront of online car selling, providing instant offers and facilitating seamless sales processes from pickup to payment. These platforms eliminate the hassle of negotiation, appealing to sellers looking for a quick and efficient sale.

Considerations for an Effective Car Sale

Choosing the right platform to sell your car involves weighing the trade-offs between maximum profit and convenience. While online platforms offer rapid transactions and competitive offers, personal listings on sites like Craigslist or eBay Motors might secure higher prices at the cost of additional effort and time. Regardless of the route chosen, ensuring your car is well-presented, accurately listed with clear photos and descriptions, and priced according to market conditions will help attract serious buyers and secure a satisfactory sale.

By understanding the nuances of each selling platform and aligning them with your selling priorities, you can navigate the resale market more effectively, ensuring a smoother transaction and potentially higher returns on your vehicle.

Jul 20

The 2023 Nissan Sentra: Stagnant Model Struggles to Keep Up

A Look at the 2023 Nissan Sentra

The 2023 Nissan Sentra remains a fixture in the compact car market, but it struggles to make a significant impact. Despite its reliability and modest starting price, the Sentra hasn’t seen much in the way of updates since its last major redesign in 2020. In a segment bustling with innovation, its lack of fresh features and performance enhancements makes it seem like it’s lagging behind the competition.

Features and Performance: A Closer Examination

Standard features of the 2023 Sentra include the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, its engine, producing only 149 horsepower and paired with a CVT transmission, delivers average performance and fuel efficiency at best. Unlike competitors like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, the Sentra lacks a sporty variant or hybrid option, which might be a turn-off for those seeking more excitement or eco-friendly alternatives.

Value and Market Position

Although the Sentra’s starting price is attractively low, positioning it as a budget-friendly choice, it faces stiff competition from newer models offering advanced features and performance. For buyers valuing affordability over excitement, it remains a viable option, but those seeking cutting-edge technology or dynamic driving experiences might find more appealing choices in the market. To stay competitive, the Sentra could benefit from a refreshed powertrain or an electrified version to add more allure to its practical value.

Jul 20

Record-Breaking Growth in Spain’s Plug-In Car Market for June 2023

Surge in Electric Vehicle Registrations and Market Share

In June 2023, Spain saw a remarkable rise in new car registrations, reaching a total of 102,268 units, marking a 12.4% increase compared to the previous year. This growth is a significant milestone, bringing the first half of the year’s total to over 511,000 registrations, an impressive 23% rise from last year. Notably, the market for plug-in electric vehicles has surged, reflecting a broader shift towards more sustainable automotive options.

Breakthrough for Plug-In Electric Vehicles

The plug-in electric vehicle segment, including both all-electric and plug-in hybrids, achieved a record 12,405 new registrations in June alone, representing a 66% increase year-over-year. All-electric cars, or BEVs, accounted for 5,891 of these registrations, showing an extraordinary 85% year-over-year growth and a 5.8% market share. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) also saw a substantial rise, with 6,514 units registered, up 52% from the previous year.

Year-to-Date Growth and Future Trends

So far in 2023, Spain has registered over 57,000 new plug-in vehicles, marking a 48% increase from last year and representing 11% of the total market. With a strong year-to-date performance, it’s anticipated that annual registrations will exceed 100,000 for the first time. The dominance of BEVs over PHEVs is expected to continue, driven by their faster growth rate.

Popular Models and Market Shifts

The Tesla Model Y leads the pack as the top-selling all-electric car in Spain this year, followed by the MG4 Electric and Tesla Model 3. Interestingly, three of the top five best-selling BEVs are produced in China, highlighting the shifting dynamics in the European automotive market. This trend signals a critical moment for European manufacturers to adapt or risk losing market share.