Car and Van News

Registrations of new cars surged by almost 15 per cent in April – the strongest climb in 14 months of solid growth.

The result, up 14.8 per cent to 163,357 units and the best April performance since 2008, brought the figures for the first four months of 2013 to 768,555 units – up 8.9 per cent.

UK car manufacturing slid 6.3 per cent in March as British plants felt the effect of slumping sales in mainland Europe.

The total of 126,909 units contributed to 393,416 over the first quarter of 2013, down two per cent.

UK new car registrations rose 5.9 per cent in March, a key period for dealers with the launch of the 13 registration plate.

The 13th consecutive month of growth in new car registrations saw volumes at their highest since 2010 when the Scrappage Incentive Scheme was bolstering the market.

Record sales growth for Rolls-Royce cannot last – because its factory will run out of space.

According to the brand’s head, the luxury car maker will not be able to continue growing once capacity is reached at its factory in Goodwood, England.

Alfa Romeo’s new 4C compact supercar will lead the Italian brand’s charge back to the US market.

Sergio Marchionne, chief executive of the Fiat Group, is confident that the car unveiled at Geneva will spearhead the brand’s American return after 18 years away.

America’s iconic Jeep brand is on track to hit the target it set four years ago to achieve 800,000 vehicles a year by 2014.

While making few headlines at this year’s Geneva show, the brand is eagerly awaiting next year and the launch of its new ‘small’ Jeep.

New car registrations in the UK rose by 7.9 per cent in February to 66,749 units.

The 12th successive month of growth was all the more remarkable considering that February is typically the quietest period, buyers waiting for the registration plate-change in March.