Car Purchasing Process - UK - April 2014
Introduction
 
Over the past 12 months the fortunes for the UK automotive sector have improved dramatically as it has shrugged off many of the difficulties that it was facing in the aftermath of the UK economy entering recession in 2008. As such, the car purchasing market is now much stronger and confident than it has been for some time with sales expected to make further positive progress during 2014. 

The performance of new car sales is the most obvious illustration of the recent progress that has been made by the sector. Total private and business/fleet volumes stood up at 2.26 million units in 2013 compared with 2.05 million units in 2012 with Mintel of the belief that a further increase will follow in 2014. Within the market there is a shift away from mid-range models towards smaller and specialist makes such as MPVs and dual purpose vehicles. There is also a steady shift towards diesel over petrol with hybrids and electric vehicles as yet failing to make any significant inroads into the market. 

The impact of recent changes in consumer preferences towards motor vehicles continues to cause disturbance within the supplier market. Although around a quarter of new car sales continue to come from two manufacturers, Ford and Vauxhall, the rest of the sector remains relatively fragmented. Here the effects of trading up by some and a demand for increased value for money from other buyers are boosting the fortunes of certain suppliers to the detriment of others. 

Mintel’s exclusive research for this report provides additional information on buyer behaviour, presenting a detailed analysis of the purchasing intentions and preferences of adults when it comes to the purchasing of cars. It illustrates the wide range of price points that exist within the market as well as the key groups that are likely to purchase a new or a used vehicle. Our findings show the importance of certain sales channels when it comes to vehicle purchasing, again with differences for those purchasing new and used. 

Definitions
This report investigates the car-buying process and the retailing of cars to private individuals. It focuses on new car sales but also presents these in the context of the used car market. It is exclusively focused on passenger vehicles, and therefore excludes any discussion of the market for light commercial vehicles or fleet vehicles. 

The report specifically excludes sales to businesses or operators of company car fleets although data for sales to all three markets are included where necessary to illustrate the context of private sales within the wider market.

Statistical data on new registrations are taken from a number of sources including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Abbreviations
4x4 / 4WD	Four Wheel Drive	
AFV	Alternative Fuel Vehicle	
BoE	Bank of England	
DECC	Department of Energy & Climate Change	
EIA	Energy Information Administration, US	
EV	Electric Vehicle	
FLA	Finance and Lending Association	
GDP	Gross Domestic Product	
GMI	Global Market Insite	
HP	Hire Purchase	
LCV	Light Commercial Vehicle	
LPG	Liquid Petroleum Gas	
MPV	Multi Purpose Vehicle	
ONS	Office for National Statistics	
OTC	Over the Counter	
PCP 	Personal Contract Purchase	
PDI	Personal Disposable Income	
PPI	Payment Protection Insurance	
SIS	Scrappage Incentive Scheme	
SMMT	Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders	
SUV	Sports Utility Vehicle