Sales of AFVs rising strongly in 2012 as car makers announce more electric/hybrid production plans
Thu 15 November 2012
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According to the latest data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, sales of alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) rose by 13% to October 2012. In the US, meanwhile, sales of AFVs are reported to have risen by 76% in the same period compared with 2011. Sales of models like GM's Volt and Nissan's Leaf have also shown strong sales growth recently and leading manufacturers have announced plans to boost production of electric and hybrid models.
Paul Everitt, SMMT's Chief Executive said: "It is encouraging to see the alternatively-fuelled vehicle market performing strongly, up 13% so far this year. Although the alternatively-fuelled vehicle sector represents only a small share of the overall market, it is vital that government sustains its consumer incentive programme and maximises the benefits available through the vehicle taxation system."
In related announcements, General Motors says it will have up to 500,000 vehicles on the road with some form of electrification by 2017 with a focus on plug-in technology, the company’s top product development executive said Wednesday. GM is reported to have sold a record 2,961 of its Volt (Ampera in UK) model in October.
Toyota says that is has sold over a million hybrid vehicles this year around the World, and has cumulatively sold over two million hybrids in Japan alone. Worldwide the company has sold over 4.6 million units since production began.
Recent reports say that Nissan has sold around 43,000 of its Leaf electric car to date and sales have recently rallied after a sluggish period.
Mitsubishi, meanwhile, says it will have an electric or hybrid variant for every model in its range within five years.
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