Market: New laws show noticeable effect
WLTP PUTS THROUGH Both new and used cars are down significantly in the third quarter of 2018 compared with previous years. This is partly due to the new emissions measurement procedure and the associated delays in delivery. The third quarter with the vacation months of July and August has always been one of the weakest periods of the year, [...]
The third quarter, with the vacation months of July and August, has always been one of the weakest periods of the year in terms of used car sales. In addition to the usual vacation season, however, there was an additional dampening factor this year: The new emissions test procedure WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) had (and still has) a negative impact on the used car market.
This is because orders have still not been delivered. This means that the vehicles earmarked for trade-in have not yet reached the dealers either. And that inevitably puts pressure on the sales figures for used vehicles.
Soon calming on the market for second-hand cars
The situation is not expected to calm down or improve until the next few months. An increasing number of manufacturers have now reached the stage where they can start delivering new cars that have been ordered and tested according to the new procedure. This should also calm the situation on the used car market, with the result that the current bottleneck will soon be overcome.
Full order books and orders for 2019
New car registrations have also been sluggish in recent months. Compared with previous years, around 5,000 fewer new cars were registered between the beginning of July and the end of September. Here, too, the reason is the new emissions test procedure. However, this does not mean that new car sales are down. Many importers are quite satisfied with the course of business. In some cases, they are talking about full order books and orders that extend well into 2019. It is just the delivery that is delayed. Waiting periods of up to a year are possible at the moment, and six months are already the norm.
