Now admittedly, Chevrolet UK is not starting from a point of market dominance in the UK, but any manufacturer who has managed to increase sales in 2008 is obviously doing something right.
Chevrolet UK has announced that in 2008 it managed to increase its market share in the UK by 12.5%, from 0.76% to 0.86%, with total sales for the year of 18,372 cars (which is only a smidge higher than 2007, but the lower total sales for the UK Car market in 2008 meant a significant increase in market share for Chevrolet).
Chevrolet Cruze - Launches in the UK in 2009
These are not figures that are going to frighten the pants off Ford and Vauxhall, but they are an indication that a certain part of the car buying public in the UK are looking at price as a major factor, and are prepared to sacrifice a degree of driving joy to get in to a new car at a lower price.
2008 saw the launch of 2 new models in the UK by Chevrolet – the Aveo and the Epico – which probably helped a fair bit, and they will be launching the Cruze saloon later on this year. None of these cars are cutting edge, but do offer good value for money.
The market is big enough for everyone, if car makers produce cars that hit a chord with the buying public. And Chevrolet’s recipe of low-price cars that are competent rather than scintillating is obviously working for them.
Head of Chevrolet in the UK, Mark Terry, said:
“The 2008 figures represent a great result for Chevrolet and show that in a challenging economic climate consumers put value for money first.
With the new Cruze adding yet another new element to our model range in 2009, we look forward to consolidating our success – while 2009 won’t be easy for any car manufacturer, we think Chevrolet’s reputation for astounding value and durable, high quality cars will have great appeal in a market where people are keeping a closer eye than ever on their motoring costs.”
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