UK SALES JUNE - FORD - The market leader again takes all the main titles as they have for decades.

Ford maintains its sales leadership through the month of June, and for the first half of the year, heading total vehicle, car and commercial vehicle (CV) sales in the UK.

Highlights of the June sales figures issued today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) include:

• Ford leads total UK car sales (Fiesta 2nd and Focus 3rd)
• Transit Custom tops the UK CV sales
• Transit CV range is second in UK total vehicle sales
• Ford has four models in the UK Top 20 – Fiesta (1st), Focus (3rd), Transit Custom (8th) and Kuga (14th)
• Seven Ford models lead their respective segments; Ford Fiesta, Fiesta Van, Transit Courier, Transit Custom, Tourneo Custom, Transit and the Ford Ranger

As the all-new Fiesta arrives in UK showrooms, sales of the outgoing model have now exceeded 1,000,000 since it first went on sale in 2008. The one millionth Fiesta was registered in June to a customer in Birmingham, the UK hot spot for Fiesta sales.

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “It’s an exciting time as we transition into the launch of the all-new Fiesta. Every successive Fiesta model has improved on the one before, and this new Fiesta is our most technologically advanced model yet, with so many features you would only expect to find on a much larger car.  It will also be our most comprehensive Fiesta range, with a line-up that will include the luxurious Fiesta Vignale and Fiesta Active, our first ever Fiesta crossover model.”

The official figures released by the SMMT today show that industry car sales in June were down 4.8 per cent to 243,454 units, compared with June 2016. Ford car sales were 27,095, 4,456 registrations ahead of its nearest rival.  For the year to date (end June) total UK car sales were 140,1811, down 1.3 per cent compared with the same period in 2016.  Ford car sales for this period were 168,316, down 1.7 per cent, 60,289 registrations ahead of its nearest rival.

Ford is also the clear leader in retail car sales, which most accurately reflect the preferences of private buyers.  For June, Ford’s retail car sales share was 11.1 per cent, 2.8 percentage points ahead of its nearest rival, and for the year to date, Ford’s retail car sales share was 12.0 per cent, a lead of 4.4 percentage points.

The Ford Fiesta is the UK’s second best-seller in June, recording 8,601 registrations, 207 sales and less than 0.1 percentage points of share behind of its nearest rival.  With total registrations of 59,380 for the year to date, the Ford Fiesta is the UK best seller by a significant margin – 22,677 sales and 1.7 percentage points of market share ahead of its nearest competitor.

UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales in June were up 1.8 per cent at 37,349 compared with June 2016.  Ford LCV sales were up 2.1 per cent at 12,465 registrations, up from 11,186 in the same month in 2016.

For the year to date total UK LCV sales were down 0.2 per cent at 197,411, compared with the same period in 2016.  Total sales of Ford CVs for the year to date were up 3.3 per cent at 62,811 compared with 2016.

Demand for pick-up vehicles grew 14.2 per cent and the Ford Ranger, with segment leadership, recorded sales of 1,175 and 24.6 per cent market share, 104 registrations and 2.2 per cent ahead of its nearest rival.

Ssangyong expands its dealer network by a further five new outlets, along with new models

• Five new SsangYong sales & service dealerships named for Canterbury, Maidstone, Montrose, Sheffield and Wakefield

A further five new SsangYong dealers have been added to the SsangYong franchise as the brand prepares to launch Rexton, its all-new large SUV arriving this autumn.

The new appointments are:

• Canterbury SsangYong
• Duthies of Montrose
• FG Barnes Maidstone
• Burrows Motor Company, Sheffield
• SB Wakefield

“The arrival of our new Rexton SUV is undoubtedly raising interest in the brand,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK, “while the other improvements we have made to the range - added safety equipment on Tivoli & Tivoli XLV, new-look to Korando and increased towing capacity on the Musso pick-up, have all added to range appeal.

“With the current political and economic conditions, value-brands are increasingly in demand and we can offer a wide product portfolio of six different models - a choice of SUVs plus a seven-seat MPV and 1-tonne pick-up, unlike some other car makes.

“Confidence in SsangYong is growing steadily as our performance and improving media profile indicate, and the quality of prospective new dealers is extremely encouraging. We expect to be able to announce another tranche of new dealers in the near future,” Mr Williams concluded.

SsangYong is actively looking for good dealers with an entrepreneurial ‘can do’ attitude to represent the brand in a number of locations, and current open points include: Aberdeen, Ayr, Blackpool, Bristol, Cambridge, Derby, Grimsby, Hull, Inverness, Lincoln, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, North Birmingham, Oxford, Perth, Portsmouth, Salisbury, Southend, Swindon, Taunton, Teesside, Truro, Watford, Worcester, Worcester, Wrexham and York.

UK SALES MAY - FORD - The Blue Oval remains the UK number brand for another year.

Ford drives its sales leadership through the month of May, heading total vehicle, car and commercial vehicle (CV) sales in the UK.

Highlights of the May sales figures issued today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) include:

• Ford Fiesta is the UK best-seller
• Transit Custom and Transit first and second in CV sales
• Transit CV range is second in UK total vehicle sales
• Ford has four models in the UK Top 20 – Fiesta (1st), Focus (4th), Transit Custom (9th) and Kuga (19th)
• Six Ford models lead their respective segments; Ford Fiesta, Fiesta Van, Transit Custom, Tourneo Custom, Transit and the Ford Ranger

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “It’s an exciting time as we continue to build on our successes and prepare to launch the all-new Fiesta. A real testament to the strength of the Fiesta, now in its ninth year as the UK’s favourite car, was its win at the 2017 Honest John Awards. 

Fiesta was awarded best small hatchback, beating four shortlisted competitors all newer than our current Fiesta, which will be replaced this year with our most technologically advanced model yet. Every successive Fiesta model has improved on the one before, and this new Fiesta is simply outstanding.”

Managing editor of HonestJohn.co.uk, Dan Powell said: “All Fiestas are good to drive, practical and powered by Ford's efficient range of petrol and diesel engines. In our opinion, few small hatchbacks come close to matching the everyday usability of the Fiesta.”

The official figures released by the SMMT today show that industry car sales in May were down 8.5 per cent to 186,265 units, compared with May 2016. Ford car sales were 20,514, 4,858 registrations ahead of its nearest rival. For the year to date (end May) total UK car sales were 1,158,357, down 0.6 per cent compared with the same period in 2016. Ford car sales for this period were 141,221, down 0.2 per cent, 49,715 registrations ahead of its nearest rival.

Ford is also the clear leader in retail car sales, which most accurately reflect the preferences of private buyers. For May, Ford’s retail car sales share was 10.8 per cent, 2.7 percentage points ahead of its nearest rival, and for the year to date, Ford’s retail car sales share was 11.9 per cent, a lead of 4.8 percentage points.

The Ford Fiesta is the UK top seller and in May it recorded 7,617 registrations, 2,168 sales and 1.2 percentage points of share ahead of its nearest rival. With total registrations of 50,779 for the year to date, the Ford Fiesta is the UK best seller by a significant margin – 19,017 sales and 1.8 percentage points of market share ahead of its nearest competitor.

UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales in May were down 5.3 per cent at 26,982 compared with May 2016. Ford LCV sales were up 2.3% at 9,433 registrations, up from 9,218 in the same month on 2016.

For the year to date total UK LCV sales were down 5.0 per cent at 147,577, compared with the same period in 2016. Total sales of Ford CVs for the year to date were up 1.6 per cent at 59,779 compared with 2016.

Demand for pick-up vehicles grew 26.2 per cent and the Ford Ranger, with segment leadership, recorded sales of 1,169 and 29.9 per cent market share, 445 registrations and 11.4 per cent ahead of its nearest rival.

Aston martin makes a nice profit for Q1, so the start of the rebirth continues, onwards and upwards.

Revenues more than double to £188.3m

Retail sales up 100% vs. prior year

• Revenues more than double to £188.3m with retail sales up 100% vs. prior year
• Sevenfold increase in underlying EBITDA to £43 million
• Strong cash generation of £55.7 million from operating activities
• Q1 pre-tax profit of £5.9 million, with profit after tax of £4.8 million
• Wholesale units jump 75% to more than 1,200 vehicles
• Strong retail performance bolstered by market share gains in the UK and China
• £550 million refinancing completed just after Q1 to reduce cost of capital and strengthen balance sheet, expected cost savings of c.£12 million
• Net debt/ LTM EBITDA ratio falls dramatically from 6.9 to 2.9 vs last 12 months
• Second Century plan on track, investment paves way for rapid roll-out of new model offensive

Aston Martin Holdings (UK) Ltd, the producer of luxury handcrafted sports cars, today reported record first quarter results as strong orders for its flagship DB11 model helped more than double revenues from £92.6 million to £188.3 million, with a pre-tax profit of £5.9 million reversing prior-year losses of £29.7 million.

Demand for the DB11 sports car and other specialist models coincided with the company’s completion of a £550 million refinancing to enhance liquidity, reduce borrowing costs and increase financial reserves. Meanwhile, a strong retail performance and market share gains, particularly in the UK and China, reflect growing confidence and awareness of the brand.

Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The group has made a strong start to the year. We are delivering on our ‘Second Century’ transformation program and building sustainable profitability. Forthcoming models including the new Vantage and Vanquish will expand on our recent growth, underpinned by the financial resources and operational discipline of a true British success story in luxury car production.”

Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose to £43 million in the first quarter, representing EBITDA margin of 23%. Sharply increased unit sales in the UK and mainland Europe lay behind the improvement, as wholesale volumes rose by 75% to 1,203 units year-on-year.

Aston Martin improved its full-year forecast to reflect the expectation that revenues will rise to more than £800m in 2017, with EBITDA expected at or above £170m. Annual wholesale volumes are expected to rise by more than 30% on the 3,687 units in 2016.

During the first quarter, Aston Martin underlined its expansion plans with the launch of the AMR line of high performance vehicles, and special limited edition models including the Red Bull Vantage S Racing Edition.

As part of the ongoing transformation of the company, Aston Martin also completed the offering of £550 million of senior secured notes due 2022, with interest of 6.50% on the dollar tranche and 5.75% on the sterling bonds, compared with maturing 10.25% US dollar PIK notes and 9.25% bonds.

Mark Wilson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said: “The refinancing is expected to result in annual income statement interest savings of more than £10 million and strengthens our capital structure. As our operational performance improves, we now have a solid financial platform on which to continue to grow.”

The All-New Fiesta to be built at Cologne has started production with one every 68 seconds.

Production of right-hand drive Fiestas – the UK’s best-selling car – has begun in Cologne, Germany. 

“We have taken this iconic small car’s lovable, fun and sporty-to-drive character to the next level, with a greater choice of models than ever and with advanced technologies and features that small-car customers could only have dreamed of just a few years ago,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company. 

The all-new Fiesta highlights Ford’s derivative strategy, with sporty ST-Line version, and sophisticated Vignale and Titanium variants available in the UK in the next few months – plus the Fiesta Active crossover and Fiesta ST coming next year. 

Ford is investing around €293 million in new production processes at its Cologne facility to build the car – already recognised as one of the world’s most efficient vehicle production plants – and where a new Fiesta will roll off the line every 68 seconds. 

The all-new Fiesta will be in dealerships in the UK in July. 

UK SALES APRIL - The Blue Oval remains the UK #1 brand as it has done every year for many decades.

Ford was the UK market leader in total vehicle, car and commercial vehicle (CV) sales in April, and also led retail sales across both car and CV sectors .

According to the official sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT):

April 2017 highlights:

• Ford total vehicle sales 23,062 (13.2 per cent share, and 4.5 percentage points ahead of nearest rival)
• Ford Fiesta is UK best-seller, Ford Transit Custom leads CV sales
• Ford has five models in the UK top 20 – Fiesta (1st), Focus (5th), Transit Custom (12th), Kuga (18th) and Transit (19th)
• Ford Fiesta, C-MAX, Mondeo, Fiesta Van, Transit Courier, Transit Custom, Tourneo Custom and Transit lead their respective segments 

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “Following our record sales performance in March, and the rush to avoid the VED tax rise, April was always going to be a slower month. Fiesta and Transit Custom continue to reinforce our long-standing leadership position in the UK, delivered through the strongest UK dealer network. Five vehicles in the UK top 20 and eight Ford vehicles leading their segments firmly underline the success of our exciting model range. 

“The UK car market remains strong and we continue to see significant growth in our EcoSport and Kuga models which have been enjoying robust sales this year, and this summer we see the most technologically advanced next generation Fiesta Ford arriving in dealerships.” 

The official figures released by the SMMT today show that total car sales in April were down 19.8 per cent to 152,076 units, compared with April 2016, following record sales in March. Ford vehicle sales were 16,183, 2,838 registrations ahead of its nearest rival. 

Ford maintains its lead in retail car sales, which most accurately reflect the preferences of private buyers. For April, Ford is 2.3 percentage points of retail car sales share ahead of its nearest rival and for the year to date, the lead is 5.0 percentage points. 

The Ford Fiesta remains the UK’s best-seller with 4,957 registrations in April, and led retail sales with 2,268 registrations and 1.7 percentage points of share ahead of its nearest rival. 

UK light commercial vehicle sales in April were down 17.5 per cent at 24,028 compared with April 2016. Ford light and medium commercials sales were 7,092, representing a market share of 29.5 per cent, up from 28.9 per cent in April 2015, and 16.5 per cent ahead of nearest rival. Transit Custom and Transit placed first and second in total CV sales, with Ford’s range of commercial vehicles leading total retail sales. 

The full availability of Ford’s extended CV family has helped deliver these significant increases in sales and share. Fiesta Van, Transit Courier, Transit Connect, Transit Custom, and Transit all placed in the top three in their respective market segments. 

Groupe Renault moves forward with a massive increase in group revenues helped by a 10% growth in sales Units.

• Group revenues totaled €13,129 million in first quarter 2017 (€12,560 million excluding AVTOVAZ). The 25.2% increase (19.7% excluding AVTOVAZ) resulted primarily from an increase in the Group’s brand volume and sales to partners.
• First quarter sales rose by 15.8% to 873,678 vehicles (at constant scope, including Lada) in a market that grew 4%.
• Sales volumes and market share increased in all regions. The Renault and Dacia brands set new sales records for a first quarter.
• In Europe, Group registrations rose 10% in a market up 8%, driven by new models and the confirmation of the good results of Kadjar, Clio 4, Captur and Duster. 
• UK is Groupe Renault’s fifth biggest market globally in Q1 2017
• Outside Europe, the Group posted a 100% increase in sales in Asia-Pacific and a 31% increase in the Africa-Middle East-India Region.
• The Group is confirming its guidance for the year.

Sales Results: first quarter highlights

Groupe Renault (including Lada) worldwide registrations (Passenger Car + LCV) increased by 15.8% in a market up 4%. The Group’s share of the world market now stands at 3.8%, up 0.4 points on 2016. The Renault and Dacia brands set new sales records for a first quarter. Renault Samsung Motors sales increased by 56.3% and those of Lada by 7%.

In Europe, the Group’s share of the PC + LCV market increased 0.2 points to 10.1%. Sales grew 10% to 478,706 vehicles. 

The Renault brand continued to progress, with a 10.1% rise in registrations. Market share came out at 7.7%, up 0.1 points. Renault notably benefited from the complete renewal in 2016 of the Megane family car line-up. 

Electric vehicle sales increased by 46% to nearly 10,000 units (excluding Twizy) thanks to the success of New ZOE with an official range of 250 miles (NEDC). Sales of ZOE rose 57% and reinforced the Group’s leadership with a 28% share of the electric vehicle market. 

The Dacia brand posted a sales record for a first quarter with 112,457 registrations and a 2.4% share of the market. This 9.5% growth resulted from the performance of New Sandero – the facelifted model launched in late 2016.

In France, Groupe Renault benefited from the growth of the market with a 5.6% increase in registrations. The Group placed five vehicles in the top ten best-selling passenger cars (including the top-seller, Clio) and occupied the top four positions in the LCV top ten. The Dacia brand was buoyed by the success of Sandero (the leader in sales to retail customers).

In the UK, Groupe Renault has experienced unprecedented growth over the last five years. This growth has continued in 2017 with 39,498 Groupe Renault vehicles being sold in Q1 – up 3.8% on Q1 2016. The UK is Groupe Renault’s fifth biggest market worldwide.

Outside Europe, all the Regions increased their sales volumes and market share.

Groupe Renault strengthened its positions with the success of its range: Kwid in India, QM6 and SM6 in South Korea, Kaptur in Russia, Koleos in China, Megane Sedan in Turkey, and Captur in the Americas.

In Africa-Middle East-India, Group registrations rose 30.9% for a market share of 6% (up 1.4 points).

Sales in Iran rose sharply (up 161.5%) for a market share of 9%, up 4.9 points, thanks to the success of Tondar and Sandero.

In India, Renault continued to rank as the number-one European brand with a 3.6% share of the market and a 9.9% increase in sales. Kwid registrations reached nearly 27,000.

In North Africa, the Group took a 41.5% share of the market, up 8.3 points with a 13.4% increase in sales.

In Eurasia, registrations increased by 6.3% in a market down 0.5%. The market share of Groupe Renault, now including the Lada brand, rose 1.5 points to 24.1%, notably thanks to a strong momentum in Russia.

In a Russian market that grew slightly (+1%) for the first time in four years, the Group increased its sales by 9.2% (including Lada).

The Renault brand took a 8.1% share of the market, up 0.8 points. Registrations of Kaptur, launched in June 2016, came to over 6,000 for the quarter.

Lada sales volumes rose 8% for a market share of 19.1% (up 1.2 points) thanks to the success of the new Vesta and Xray models. 

With the consolidation of Lada sales volumes, Russia has become the Group’s number-two market.

In Turkey, sales increased 0.8% in a market down 7.4%. The Group posted a 19% share of the market, up 1.5 points. New Mégane Sedan, awarded “Car of the Year”, is off to a successful start with over 6,500 registrations.

In the Asia-Pacific Region, registrations were up 99.7% in a market up 4.6%. 

In China, Renault sold nearly 18,000 vehicles (compared with 3,400 in first-quarter 2016), including 10,000 New Koleos, launched at end-2016 and produced locally at a new plant in Wuhan.

Renault Samsung Motors posted a growth of 56.4% in a South Korean market up 0.9%, for a market share of 6.2%, up 2.2 points, driven by the success of the latest product launches (SM6 and QM6).

In the Americas region, sales increased 19% in a market up 9%, for a market share of 6.3%, up 0.5 points. The success of Sandero, Logan and Duster Oroch models was confirmed.

Groupe Renault continue to take full advantage of the recovery in the Argentinean market, with an 87.2% increase in registrations in a market up 42.8%. Market share rose by 3.1 points to 13.1%. Renault is fully benefitting from the local production of Sandero and Logan since end-2016. The market in Brazil has stabilized (down 1.2%) and the Group maintained its market share at 6.8%.

First quarter revenues by operating sector

Group revenues came to €13,129 million in first quarter 2017, up 25.2%. Excluding the impact of the consolidation of AVTOVAZ, Group revenues increased by 19.7% to €12,560 million (up 18.4% at constant exchange rates).

Automotive excluding AVTOVAZ revenues totaled €11,939 million, up 20.1%, mainly thanks to growth in sales volumes (up 9.2 points). The increase in sales to partners contributed 3.5 points to this growth. The performance reflects the strong momentum in our CKD1 activity in Iran and China and in the sales of vehicles assembled in Europe (notably with the start of Nissan Micra production). The price effect (+2.4 points) benefited primarily from recent launches. The currency effect was positive at 1.3 points, mainly owing to the strengthening of the Russian ruble and Brazilian real, despite the negative impact of the British pound.

Sales Financing (RCI Banque) posted revenues of €621 million in the first quarter, up 13.5% on 2016. The number of new financing contracts increased by 21.4%. Average performing assets rose 21.9% to €37.9 billion. 

Outlook for 2017

In 2017, the global market is expected to a record growth of 1.5% to 2.5% (versus 1.5% to 2% previously). The European market is still expected to increase by 2% this year, as is the French market. 

Outside Europe, the Russian market might increase by up to 5% (versus stable previously), whereas the Brazilian market should remain stable. China (+5%) and India (+8%) are expected to continue their growth momentum. 

With this context, and following the consolidation of AVTOVAZ, Groupe Renault is confirming its guidance:

• increase Group revenues, beyond the impact of AVTOVAZ (at constant exchange rates)*,
• increase Group operating profit in euros*,
• generate a positive automotive operational free cash flow.

* compared with 2016 Groupe Renault published results

Groupe Renault consolidated revenues

(€ million)	2017	2016	Change
			2017/2016
Q1
Automotive excluding AVTOVAZ	11,939	9,942	+20.1%
Sales Financing	621	547	+13.5%
AVTOVAZ	750	-	-
AVTOVAZ eliminations	-181	-	-
Total	13,129	10,489	+25.2%
Excluding the impact of AVTOVAZ consolidation	12,560	10,489	+19.7%

1CKD: Complete Knock Down