Car supermarkets lead September sales with quick turnaround on reduced inventories

Car supermarkets demonstrated their retailing efficiencies in September, achieving rapid sales despite reduced inventories, according to the latest Motors’ Market View report.

Cars at supermarkets averaged just 20 days in stock, significantly outperforming the market average of 29 days. Inventory levels at supermarkets also dropped by 5% month-on-month (MoM) to 258 units, but the segment still managed to grow MoM sales by 4%, the only retail sector to do so.

Overall, buyer activity was strong in September, with online views on the Motors platform reaching a new high for 2024—up 10% MoM and 12% year-on-year (YoY). The majority of searches were for used cars in the £5,000 to £10,000 and £10,000 to £15,000 price ranges.

Stock levels across the entire market remained stable, with an average of 51 units compared to 52 in August, unchanged YoY.

 Franchised dealers saw a slight dip in stock from 60 to 58 units MoM, but the arrival of part-exchanges from the new 74-plate registrations is expected to replenish inventories in October.