Alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles have been the stars of 2008 so far according to a new report. The latest Experian ‘Automotive Market Insight Report’ from the global information company, details car buying trends between January and June 2008.

In difficult trading circumstances, diesel, alternative fuel and electric vehicles and cars within the mini segment were among the few to post a growth in sales.

While, slightly surprisingly,  the used MPV segment was the biggest success story with sales during the first six months of 2008 compared to the same period of 2007, up 12.3 per cent and similarly in the new car sector, sales of this segment rose by 10.2 per cent; dealer feedback during this period highlighted an increase in 4×4 (or SUV) drivers trading in their vehicles for more compact MPVs as they were considered more economical, both in the new and used sectors. As expected, used SUV sales fell for the first time by 0.8 per cent. Although MPV might not be the most economical cars, the sales growth still reflected a trend of downsizing.

Similarly, increase in used sales were the mini segment and the supermini segment – up 1.5 per cent and 0.9 per cent. In the new car sector, sales of the mini segment increased by nearly a third (31.8 per cent), as new models were introduced to the market.

Sales of used diesel cars continued to rise – up 3.7 per cent – a slightly higher increase than last year when sales rose by 3.2 per cent.

In the new car sector sales of diesel cars (up 9.4 per cent) accounted for 43 per cent of all the new cars sold during the first six months of 2008.

The most significant increases came from alternative fuel cars. Although the overall number of sales of alternative fuel vehicles were small compared overall used sales, the percentage increase was impressive. Sales of used hybrid cars increased by 91.3 per cent, while used electric cars increased by 307.0 per cent. In the new car sector, hybrid car sales were also up 7.6 per cent.

To view Experian’s report for yourself, click here.

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