4x4 sales continue to rise, but London is not a hot spot

While the market for new 4x4 cars continues to rise across the UK, latest regional figures from SMMT reveal that in London sales are lower than the national average. From January to August 5.9 per cent of new cars sold in London were 4x4 off-road vehicles compared to a national average of 6.8 per cent.

Across the UK, the 4x4 market has risen by 13.4 per cent so far this year, up from 98,630 to 111,846 units. However, in the capital total 4x4 sales have risen less steeply, up 12.7 per cent from 5,616 to 6,331 units. Total London new car registrations from January to August number 106,664 units.

Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive commented, 'The idea that one in two new cars sold in London is a 4x4 is nothing but a myth. The reality is that the proportion is actually slightly lower than the national average.

'This is just one of the unhelpful stereotypes that are being used to berate drivers of this type of vehicle. Now we have revealed the facts about sales, perhaps we could start to have a more constructive dialogue about the kind of benefits that this type of vehicle offers new car buyers. I have invited the Mayor of London to talk to me about this but, to date, he has not been able to find time in his schedule.'

On reports that 4x4s are suffering an image problem Christopher Macgowan added, 'Once again the facts paint a very different picture. The market is robust, and manufacturers are bringing a host of exciting new models to showrooms. In some cases eager buyers are prepared to wait months for the most popular new cars.'