Dealers have been advised to prepare for a bumper sales period following Christmas day as car buyers return to the market after the festivities.
James Broadhead, CEO of Close Brothers Motor Finance, said dealers should benefit from the expected wave of purchases following Christmas Day which Experian estimated saw £480m spent by consumers this year’s New Year’s Day.
“In the build up to Christmas, many people’s minds are focused on those last minute gifts and the festivities they have planned over the holiday season. Yet once the big day is over, we move into what many consider a lull period between Boxing Day and New Year. Large numbers of people look to get out and about, with the New Year sales being a key attraction for those Christmas shoppers seeking the best bargains,” he said.
“Last year, the New Year bought a strong month of car sales, with new car registrations increasing by nearly 7%. Therefore it is vital that dealers seize the opportunity that festive shoppers provide, making sure they are prepared to capture the attention of these casual consumers by being able to offer a great deal.”
These comments follow a prediction by Ford CEO and chairman Andy Barratt that 2016 could be a record breaking year for sales with registrations of up to 2.8 million units.
