SCOTLAND enjoyed stronger new cars sales in March than the rest of the UK. There was a 23.5 per cent increase in new registrations north of the Border last month compared with an 11.5 per cent rise across other parts of the UK.
Figures show there were 23,000 new registrations in Scotland during March 2021, up from 18,500 in the same month the previous year.
This is still about a third down on sales numbers in pre-pandemic years but the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said click-and-collect sales have been a lifeline for the car industry.
SMMT boss Mike Hawes said: “The past year has been the toughest in modern history and the automotive sector has been hit hard.
“However, as showrooms reopen in Scotland, there is optimism that consumer confidence will return.”
The most popular car with Scottish buyers remains the Vauxhall Corsa and the electric Corsa-e was also the best-selling battery electric vehicle.
Vauxhall’s managing director Paul Wilcox said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming back our Scottish customers to showrooms and we’re delighted the Corsa is so popular in Scotland.”
