There’s never been a better time to buy a new car, Ford's UK boss has claimed.
Speaking following the announcement of Ford’s best February sales figures for 14 years, Andy Barratt outlined that the current pressures on the UK car industry meant that there are some exceptional deals available at the moment.
UK new car market decline continues in February
“The canny customer can get a great deal - it really is a buyer’s market if you do your research and know where to look,” said Barratt (pictured below).
While conceding that the exchange rate swing in the past 12 months has meant that Britain is no longer being used to shift over-production in Europe - meaning that some discounts were no longer available - he stressed that there are still many good deals to be had.
“There are a lot of new products on the market, and the business is very competitive,” Barratt said, reflecting on the sales of the new Fiesta and updated Ecosport.
Find a deal on your next new car on Autocar's sister site
“Coupled with that, there are some very attractive PCP offers, which offer great terms and which build in some deposit for when the customer moves on to the next deal.
“The pricing and flexibility have probably never been so good. It’s proof that if you have the right products, you can succeed.”
Despite this, sales of new cars decreased by 2.8% last month, largely due to a continued fall in demand for diesel; oil-burning car sales were down by 23.5% last month alone.
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Perhaps there never has been a better time to buy a new car but I certainly wouldn't buy one of his Fords as their warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on. Ford reliant on 'custom and practice' rather than what's actully written in black and white. You'll also find that Ford dealers set aside a fund for warranty repairs because Ford themselves won't pay for many legitimate claims. It's also my understanding that unlike other manufacturers who's 3year warranty cover is made up from 2yrs manufacturers warranty + 1yr dealer, Ford operate on a 1yr manufacturer and 2yr dealer. It's little wonder then that when you try to make a claim after 12mth, the "sorry that's not covered" line is rolled out. Shocking company TBH - owned 3 Fords - never again.
Shame the Ford range has
Shame the Ford range has become uncompetitive though. Fiesta aside, it’s looking old and tired, or diesel only.
..and expensive
So true, but even the Fiesta has become expensive, stale and dull. I'd just have the Ranger (and that's not even a car) and the Focus ST
Ecosport?
I wonder how much Ford would pay me to take one of those dreadful things off their hands....
Agree
Since a few companies are trying to revive electric cars, steam-powered cars should also be developed.