- Vauxhall sees retail sales increase in March
- Astra sales to private buyers up by 84 per cent
- Corsa and Zafira best-sellers in segment – again!
- Van sales hit record high
The launch of the new ‘05’ registration has seen a huge
‘March’ forwards for Vauxhall, with a healthy increase in sales
to private buyers.
An impressive 7.4 per cent growth in retail sales was boosted by the
appeal of models such as the New Astra, New Tigra, Corsa, Zafira and
Meriva, with the Astra seeing an unprecedented 84 per cent increase
in private sales over 2004 thanks to its blend of driver-focused
dynamics, bold styling and clever design, plus an alluring range of
‘Breeze’ special editions aimed at the retail sector. And the
massive jump comes before the showroom debut of the striking Astra
Sport Hatch this weekend (9/10 April), which is expected to further
strengthen the model’s position.
As well as the Astra’s success, the established Corsa and Zafira
models continue to lead their segments, with the Corsa maintaining
its position as Britain’s most popular supermini, and the Zafira
continuing to outsell rivals.
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In total, 55,042 Griffin-badged cars hit the road in the first month
of the new registration mark, giving Vauxhall an increased 13.2 per
cent share of the total market so far in 2005. And the growth is
expected to continue further, with a host of new models in the
pipeline for later in the year, including the stunning Astra VXR and
all-new Zafira.
But it’s not just the cars that are climbing the sales charts –
Vauxhall vans are doing good business as well. March saw record
registrations for Vauxhall’s commercial range, with 8,002 new
vans, giving the company an all-time high 17.1 per cent market
share.
The award-winning Combo, voted small van of the year by Professional
Van and Light Truck magazine, retains its crown as Britain’s
best-seller, while the Vivaro and Astravan join it among the
country’s top 10 best-selling LCVs.
"While maintaining our number one position in fleet sales, we
were also given a further boost in March by customers spending their
own hard-earned cash," said Bill Parfitt, Vauxhall’s
Executive Director of sales, marketing and aftersales. "It’s
a sure sign that the British public recognises the style and driving
excitement that Vauxhall’s range of cars and vans offers."
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