SEAT concluded the first half of 2017 with its best commercial result since 2001.

• SEAT delivers 246,500 vehicles worldwide – up 13.7% compared to same period in 2016. And 12.6% sales increase in June versus previous year
• Commercial results in Spain, UK and Germany are the cornerstones of the success
• SEAT UK’s impressive “momentum” continues, with sales growth approaching 20% year-on-year
• Mexico, Turkey, Poland and Israel, in the top ten SEAT markets
• Fifth-generation Ibiza reaches showrooms

SEAT concluded the first half of 2017 with its best commercial result since 2001. The brand’s global sales grew by 13.7% compared to the same period in 2016, to stand at a total figure of 246,500 vehicles (2016: 216,800), nearly 30,000 more cars. In the month of June, SEAT sold 45,200 units, an increase of 12.6% against the same month in 2016 (40,100).

According to SEAT Vice-President for Marketing and Sales Wayne Griffiths, “in the first half of 2017 we reached the highest sales in 16 years. We continue to make double-digit progress and have established ourselves as one of the fastest-growing brands in Europe. 

Our growth is based on solid results in most markets, which are beginning to show the initial results of the biggest product offensive we launched in 2016 with the Ateca and continued at the beginning of the year with the updated Leon. 

With the new Ibiza and the new Arona, we are confident we can continue this positive development”.

SEAT sales went up in the first half of the year thanks to the excellent results in the major European countries, which all posted double-digit improvement. Spain led the growth with 54,100 cars sold (+21.2%), followed by Germany in second place with 48,600 SEAT vehicles delivered (+10.2%) and the United Kingdom third (29,500; +20.5%). France (13,300; +18.2%) and Italy (10,500; +14.6%) are also among the countries which increased sales by more than 10%.

Austria and Switzerland, two other Western European markets, also made a very positive contribution to SEAT’s sales. In the case of Austria, sales went up by 23.1% (total: 9,500 vehicles), whereas in Switzerland SEAT achieved an outstanding growth of 52.3% (total: 5,300). In both countries SEAT features among the ten best-selling brands. This boost in sales can also be seen in other regions of the world. Mexico is SEAT’s fifth largest global market (12,900; +6.4%); Turkey is the sixth (11,300; +0.5%); Poland the ninth (6,000; +22.3%) and Israel wraps up the top ten (5,500; +5.4%).

In the UK, SEAT has posted impressive registrations of 29,941 year-to-date - 4,857 more than the same timeframe in 2016 – including striking True Fleet sales growth of 63%. In June, the Barcelona-based brand delivered stellar growth of 15% compared to the previous year.

Commenting on SEAT UK’s continued expansion, Director Richard Harrison said, “Our sustainable growth plan is really starting to pay off. The effort which the entire UK team is putting in, both at head office and dealer level, is paying huge dividends, which is clearly evident by the fact that we’ve smashed sales records in five out of the last six months alone. We’re the fastest growing volume manufacturer, up just shy of 20% year-on-year, and on track to post the best sales results our brand has ever achieved. The icing on the cake is that this is without the added impetus of the All-new Ibiza and New Arona, which haven’t even launched in showroms yet. Against a backdrop of other car brands slipping back, the performance of the SEAT team is really impressive.”

SEAT began the first half of 2017 with New Leon, the brand’s top seller, which reached UK showrooms in February. In addition, and in the framework of the largest product offensive in the history of SEAT, the fifth-generation Ibiza was also presented in the first part of the year and is due to launch in UK showrooms next Friday; the FR trim was added to the Ateca range, and the 26th June saw the covers come off of the exciting new compact crossover Arona, which will be sold in the final quarter of the year. In 2018, the brand’s SUV range will be completed with a third vehicle with up to seven seats, which will be positioned one segment above the Ateca.

Skoda celebrates the first half of the year and sales are flying high, with June the best one ever.

• Deliveries record: from January to June, ŠKODA achieves 585,000 deliveries worldwide
• Best June of all time: 105,200 deliveries (+6.5%)
• International success: ŠKODA grows in Europe and Russia
• Successful models: deliveries increase for SUPERB and FABIA; OCTAVIA remains brand’s bestseller
• Good market launch for ŠKODA KODIAQ: 27,100 deliveries since February

ŠKODA has continued to grow in the first half of the year. The long-established Czech brand recorded 585,000 deliveries to customers worldwide in the first six months – thus surpassing last year’s record result by 2.8 per cent (January to June 2016: 569,400 vehicles). 

105,200 deliveries in June are also an all-time peak in sales (June 2016: 98,800 vehicles). Positive development in the core market, Europe, and a two-digit rise in deliveries in Russia contribute to the record result, as do the significant increases in deliveries for the ŠKODA FABIA and SUPERB model ranges. 

With 27,100 deliveries since February, the new ŠKODA KODIAQ SUV is having a successful start in markets worldwide. 

"Having delivered well over half a million cars, we have achieved the strongest half-year in ŠKODA's history," says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier, adding: "Our SUV campaign is proving effective. The high demand for the ŠKODA KODIAQ has exceeded our expectations and confirms that we are on the right path. We will continue to strengthen our position in this crucial segment with the new ŠKODA KAROQ compact SUV." 

With 45,900 deliveries to customers in June, ŠKODA recorded an increase of 2.1 per cent in Western Europe (June 2016: 45,000 vehicles). In the first half of the year, the brand improved deliveries by 4.1 per cent to 252,300 vehicles (January to June 2016: 242,500 vehicles). 

In Germany, ŠKODA’s strongest individual European market, deliveries increased in June by 0.7 per cent to 17,300 vehicles (June 2016: 17,200 vehicles). In the first six months, deliveries in Germany rose by 1.8 per cent to 88,000 units (2016: 86,500 vehicles). ŠKODA achieved double-digit growth from January to June in Italy (13,600 vehicles; +18.4%) and Austria (12,900 vehicles; +13.7%). 

Deliveries also increased in the United Kingdom (43,500 vehicles; +3.1%), Spain (13,500 vehicles; +2.5%), France (13,400 vehicles; +8.9%), Belgium (11,400 vehicles; +6.7%), Sweden (8,900 vehicles; +8.4%), and the Netherlands (7,700 vehicles; +1.7%).

In Central Europe, ŠKODA delivered 19,200 vehicles in June, an increase of 11.4 per cent (June 2016: 17,200 vehicles). In the first half of the year ŠKODA recorded double-digit growth of 14.0 per cent to 109,800 vehicles (2016: 96,300 vehicles). In its home market of the Czech Republic, the manufacturer increased deliveries in June by 8.3 per cent to 8,900 vehicles (June 2016: 8,200 vehicles) and in the first six months of the year by 10.9 per cent to 51,200 vehicles (2016: 46,200 vehicles). 

From January to June, deliveries also grew in Poland (34,600 vehicles; +17.2%), Hungary (6,200 vehicles; +10.0%), Slovenia (3,900 vehicles; +16.2%), Croatia (3,200 vehicles; +59.9%) and Slovakia (10,700 vehicles; +11.1%).

With 3,800 vehicles in Eastern Europe, excluding Russia, ŠKODA surpasses last year’s level by 14.9 per cent (June 2016: 3,300 vehicles). In the entire first half of the year, growth is similarly strong with 13.0 per cent. ŠKODA delivered 19,300 vehicles in this period (2016: 17,000 vehicles). Contributing to this positive result were the developments in Romania (5,200 vehicles; +8.0%), Serbia (3,200 vehicles; +6.3%), Ukraine (2,600 vehicles; +65.9%) and the Baltics (3,900 vehicles; +23.0%).

In Russia, ŠKODA recorded a two-digit increase of 17.9 per cent (5,700 vehicles) compared to the same month last year (June 2016: 4,800 vehicles). In the first half of the year the manufacturer achieved growth of 6.7 per cent to 28,700 vehicles (2016: 26,900 vehicles).

In China, the biggest individual market worldwide, the long-established Czech brand was able to improve deliveries in June by 5.3 per cent to 23,500 vehicles (June 2016: 22,400 vehicles). This rise meets the manufacturer’s expectations. Tax increases at the beginning of the year for various vehicle segments that ŠKODA is represented in had led to a decrease in deliveries. In the first half of the year, ŠKODA delivered 134,000 vehicles (January to June 2016: 145,800 vehicles; -8.1%).

ŠKODA was able to record a positive result in India, where the manufacturer increased deliveries in June by 42.7 per cent to 1,400 vehicles (June 2016: 1,000 vehicles). In the first half of the year ŠKODA saw double-digit growth of 21.7 per cent to 7,900 vehicles (2016: 6,500 vehicles).

In Israel, ŠKODA made significant gains. 2,200 delivered vehicles stand for an increase of 41.8 per cent compared to the same month last year (June 2016: 1,500 vehicles). In the first half of the year, the manufacturer recorded a growth of 11.6 per cent to 14,000 vehicles (January to June 2016: 12,500 vehicles). In Australia, the traditional Czech brand performed well in June with growth of 23.8 per cent to 600 vehicles (June 2016: 500 vehicles). 

The deliveries increased from January to June by 5.8 per cent to 9,700 units (January to June 2016: 9,200 vehicles). With 400 deliveries to customers in June, ŠKODA recorded a growth of 4.0 per cent in Taiwan (June 2016: 400 vehicles). In the first half of the year, the brand improved its turnover by 8.2 per cent to 2,400 vehicles (January to June 2016: 2,300 vehicles).

Deliveries of the ŠKODA brand to customers in the first half of 2017 (in units, rounded, by model; +/- in per cent compared to last year):

ŠKODA OCTAVIA (205,300; -6.5%)

ŠKODA RAPID (103,000; +0.4%)

ŠKODA FABIA (111,100; +6.1%)

ŠKODA SUPERB (75,900; +8.3%)

ŠKODA YETI (43,000; -18.0%)

ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 19,700; -1.6%)

ŠKODA KODIAQ (27,100; –)

Deliveries of the ŠKODA brand to customers in June 2017 (in units, rounded, by model; +/- in per cent compared to same month last year):

ŠKODA OCTAVIA (35,000; -2.6%)

ŠKODA RAPID (17,600; -0.8%)

ŠKODA FABIA (19,700; 0.7%)

ŠKODA SUPERB (13,000; +3.7%)

ŠKODA YETI (6,700; -24.9%)

ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 3,200; -20.4%)

ŠKODA KODIAQ (9,900; –)

Skoda Auto grows it's sales for the first half of the year and it comes with increased market share.https://images.cdn.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/images/car-reviews/first-drives/legacy/170209-skoda-citigo-01_0.jpg?itok=xyY0mka_

• Half-year registrations up 2% on 2016 to 42,558 cars – a ŠKODA UK record
• Citigo registrations up 17% on 2016 to 3,891 cars
• Record Superb registrations up 13% on 2016 to 5,565 cars
• Record Fleet half-year registrations up 7% on 2016 to 24,167 cars
• Record Order Take up 3% on 2016

ŠKODA has outperformed the market once again, posting record UK registrations for the first half of 2017. An impressive 42,558 cars were registered from January to June – a new high for the brand, and 2% more than in 2016.

In an overall new car market that fell by 1.3%, ŠKODA bucked the trend by registering more cars and comprehensively filling its order book. The brand’s order take for the first six months of 2017 eclipsed 2016’s half-year total by 3%.

While the Octavia and Fabia delivered the biggest numbers overall, it was the Citigo (3,891) and Superb (5,565) that enjoyed the largest growth over the first-half of 2016. ŠKODA’s city car star saw registrations rise 17% over the same period in 2016, while the flagship Superb posted an equally impressive 13% rise in registrations.

ŠKODA’s market share for the month of June was 3.09%, while year-to-date market share for the brand stands at 3.04 per cent - a 0.77% increase over 2016. Growth for the ŠKODA brand was particularly strong across the fleet sector with registrations up 7% over the same six-month period of 2016.

The outlook for the rest of 2017 is equally exciting for ŠKODA. Following on from the launch of the new Kodiaq and updated Octavia range hitting showrooms in the Spring, ŠKODA will start deliveries of the facelifted Citigo, Rapid and Rapid Spaceback ranges in the coming weeks. These exciting new models will be followed by the all-new Karoq SUV, which will go on sale at the end of the year.

UK SALES Q1 - Suzuki - The Japanese brand finished the first quarter with a large increase in sales.

Suzuki is very pleased to announce a record 2017 first quarter sales in the UK with a closing figure of 13,951 units, an increase of 2,400 year on year. This figure means that Suzuki sold an all time record of 40,000 units in the 2016/17 Financial year.

Suzuki currently has a 1.70 per cent market share and sits just outside the top 20 manufacturers in the UK. If private retail only sales are considered then Suzuki is ranked 17th in the UK market place with a 2.58 per cent share.

Launched in January, sales of the highly acclaimed IGNIS Compact Crossover reached over 3,000 units for the quarter which was more than 1,200 units ahead of its original projection. This was largely due to the major success of Suzuki’s ongoing TV campaign with Ant and Dec and also helped by its recent announcement as a World ‘Urban Car of The Year’ finalist.

Celerio was 36 per cent ahead of expectation too with sales of 2,900 units and Vitara sales continue to be very strong at 3,500 units.

Dale Wyatt, Director of Automobile comments: “We are really pleased with our record figures and this proves once again the ever growing popularity of the latest range of cars and the strong relationships our 158 strong dealer network has with our customers. Our announcement this week to pay the first three years VED for new registrations will certainly help further and the future continues to look bright with our launch in June of the all-new Swift model”

Standard equipment for all new Swift models in the range is comprehensive and the SZ3 model includes six airbags, air conditioning, DAB radio with Bluetooth, leather steering wheel, front electric windows and rear privacy glass. New Swift is available in 10 colours with full personalisation options available for both exterior and interior trim.

A new end-of-year campaign, designed to help customers swap their current Fiat car for a new one with upto £2500 bonus.

A new end-of-year campaign, designed to help customers swap their current Fiat car for a new one, has just been launched by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK.

Called ‘The Big Swappage Deal’ the initiative offers drivers an extra incentive to trade in their  current vehicle, with a range of extra ‘swappage’ bonus offers on top of any value the participating Fiat dealer has put on the customer’s car.

The deal covers the entire range of Fiat models – except the new 124 Spider – and includes the award-winning 500, the 500L and 500X, as well as Tipo, Panda, Punto, Qubo and Doblo. The Swappage Bonus varies depending on Fiat model selected, ranging between £500 and £2,500.

“The Fiat Swappage Scheme will appeal to customers with cars of any age, make or model,” says Paul Runza, brand manager Fiat UK. “However the offer is still available for customers who do not have a part exchange vehicle – they will be eligible for a Swappage cash discount of up to £2,500.”

Skoda Auto takes the top prize in the J.D. Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study 2016.

• Back-to-back wins as ŠKODA is named top for dependability by J.D Power
• ŠKODA improved score over 2015 and extends lead over other manufacturers
• More than 13,000 owners surveyed
• Fabia and Yeti both named most dependable models in their sectors

It’s official: ŠKODA ranks as the top automotive brand in the UK for vehicle dependability. The Czech manufacturer has recorded back-to-back victories in the J.D. Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) released today – with two models topping their sector for quality and reliability.

The study, now in its second year, measured problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of vehicles in the UK after 12-36 months of ownership. The findings were based on responses from more than 13,000 owners of 2013-2015 models.

J.D. Power examined 177 problem symptoms across eight categories: engine and transmission; vehicle exterior; driving experience; features/controls/displays (FCD); audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN); seats; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC); and vehicle interior. Overall dependability was determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

ŠKODA ranked the highest for vehicle dependability with a score of 66 PP100 – an even better result than the brand recorded in 2015, and 13 points clear of the next manufacturer. The overall industry average was 113 PP100.

The 2016 survey also studied vehicle dependability in key sectors and, once again, ŠKODA models were at the top of two categories. The Fabia was ranked at the most dependable car in the Small Car category, while the Yeti finished top of the Compact SUV sector. The Octavia also performed well, finishing second in the Compact Car category.

USA - Another FCA recall, this time the 500e for a software update to stop the car from cutting out.

FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 16,549 cars in the U.S. to update their software.

A routine component check by FCA US discovered certain vehicles are equipped with software that may misread operating conditions and shut down propulsion.

The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

Affected are model-year 2013-2016 Fiat 500e mini-compact cars. Service technicians will install the proper software.

Service availability is imminent. Affected customers will be advised when they may contact their dealers.

Customers with questions may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403.

HONEST JOHN AWARDS - The Hyundai i10 wins again, the third time it has taken the title.

• Hyundai Motor wins Most Popular City car for the i10 at 2016 Honest John Awards for third year running
•  i10 praised by users of honestjohn.co.uk for its handling, refinement and its five-year warranty

Hyundai Motor UK has added a new award to its trophy cabinet after last night’s Honest John Awards. The brand’s second best-selling vehicle, the i10 was crowned ‘Most Popular City Car’ for the third year running by HonestJohn.co.uk users.

On the i10’s success, Dan Harrison, Editor, HonestJohn.co.uk, commented:

“The Hyundai i10 has won our Most Popular City Car award for the third year running, cementing itself as a consistently popular choice with our users. And it's easy to see why. The i10 is the perfect small car with great handling and impressive refinement - plus of course it comes with Hyundai's five-year warranty. There is plenty of competition among city cars, but honestjohn.co.uk users have once again shown that the well-built Hyundai 10 is their number one choice".

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, commented on the company’s latest accolades: “We are delighted that the i10 has scored a hat trick of awards from honestjohn.co.uk. The i10 is a car that continues to prove a hit in the market and receiving this award for the third year running from the users of honestjohn.co.uk means that our customers really value the stylish and refined package that i10 offers in this highly competitive segment.”

Now in its sixth consecutive year, the Honest John Awards don’t follow the traditional awards format, instead the winners are chosen by the best experts of all: the website users. The awards recognise and reward the cars that HonestJohn.co.uk users search for most on the site. The reviews which create the most interest among HonestJohn.co.uk users are the winners.