New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that new business in the point of sale (POS) consumer car finance market increased 2% by volume and 6% by value in February 2019, compared with the same month in 2018.

The percentage of private new car sales financed by FLA members through the POS was 91.1% in the twelve months to February, 0.1 percentage points lower than in the same period to January 2019.

The POS consumer used car finance market reported new business in February up 2% by volume and 7% by value, compared with the same month in 2018.

Commenting on the figures, Geraldine Kilkelly, Head of Research and Chief Economist at the FLA, said:

“The POS consumer car finance market reported further modest new business volumes growth in February, as consumer confidence remained subdued amid uncertainty about the outlook for the economy.”

“We continue to expect new business volumes in 2019 overall to be at a similar level to 2018 if there is a reduction in Brexit-related uncertainty.”

Note to editors:

1. In 2018, FLA members provided £137 billion of new finance to UK businesses and households. £104 billion of this was in the form of consumer credit, over a third of total new consumer credit written in the UK in 2018. £46 billion of it supported the purchase of new and used cars, including over 91% of private new car registrations.

2. For media enquiries, please contact the FLA press office on 020 7420 9656.