Top 10: Car sales Q2 2011

Figures just published by the SMMT show that 1,029,638 cars were sold in the UK to the end of Q2 2011, a reduction of 7.1% compared to the same period last year.



Despite the overall drop, the fleet sector remains fairly buoyant, with registrations up by 3.4% versus 2010. Combined fleet and business sales now account for just over 57% of the market.



As a result of that mix, almost half of all cars sold so far this year have been diesels. In turn, the shift away from petrol power will have undoubtedly contributed to average new car CO2 emissions falling to 138.9 g/km during Q2 2011. That’s the first time ever that a figure of less than 140 g/km has been achieved.



The ten most popular cars haven’t changed much since Q1, with the league table once again headed by the Ford Fiesta and Focus. Whether it’s a situation that will continue in the longer term remains to be seen though, as reports suggest Ford is prepared to sacrifice its top seller position in order to be more profitable.

Ford Fiesta: Still the UK's most popular car.

Top 10: Cumulative UK Car Sales Q2 2011
Position	Manufacturer	Model	Registrations
1	Ford	Fiesta	51,643
2	Ford	Focus	43,825
3	Vauxhall	Corsa	38,597
4	Volkswagen	Golf	33,118
5	Vauxhall	Astra	32,883
6	Vauxhall	Insignia	25,950
7	Volkswagen	Polo	22,897
8	BMW	3 Series	21,866
9	Nissan	Qashqai	19,992
10	Mini	Mini	18,619

Related posts:

Top 10: Car sales Q1 2011

Top 10: UK car sales 2010

BMW E-Scooter concept

Following its Concept C maxi scooter that was unveiled at last year’s Milan bike show, BMW has now revealed the E-Scooter concept. And, as the ‘E’ in the title suggests, it’s electrically-powered.

With any electric vehicle, a critical question is going to be how far it can travel between recharges. For the E-Scooter, BMW is aiming for a range of at least 60 miles (100 km) thanks to a high capacity battery. Recharge time from a fully discharged state will be about three hours.



By comparison, existing electric scooters such as the Econogo Yogo can travel a maximum of 44 miles (70 km), although bikes with larger battery packs will manage more. The Brammo Enertia Plus motorcycle, for example, has a range of 80 miles (128 km).



Given the urban environments in which the E-Scooter will predominantly be used, performance has also been an important design factor. Consequently, BMW’s target has been to match the acceleration of a 600 cc petrol-engined maxi scooter.



An unconventional aspect of the E-Scooter is its construction. While scooters usually have a central frame to which everything is attached, the BMW does without one. Instead, the aluminium battery casing assumes that role, supporting the rear sub-frame, swing arm and front forks.



Drive from the electric motor to the rear wheel is via a belt system. An added benefit is that under deceleration or braking, this set-up acts as an energy regenerator, extending the scooter’s range by between ten and twenty percent.



As it’s just a concept for now, there’s no word on whether the BMW E-Scooter might make it into production. Undoubtedly one of the important issues would be cost, which is something that that high capacity battery unit might be having a significant impact on.



Related posts:

Suzuki’s fuel-cell scooter

BMW Concept C unveiled

Brammo Enertia Plus

Econogo Yogo scooter

Honda Vision 110 scooter

Honda has announced that its new Vision 110 scooter, which replaces the Lead 110, will arrive in UK dealers this August.



Priced at £1,800 on the road, it comes with a four-stroke fuel injected engine that manages to achieve a very impressive 140 mpg (2.0 l/100km).

Being a twist-and-go scooter the Vision 110 should be easy to ride, even for novices. For enhanced manoeuvrability it only weighs 102 kg (224 lbs), while the seat height is a confidence-inspiring 760 mm (29.9 inches).



Standard features include underseat storage, compartments in the leg shields and Honda’s linked Combined Braking System. An alarm, top box and high windscreen are all on the options list.

Vision 110 buyers will be able to choose from Pearl Procyon Black, Candy Aluja Blue, Boss Grey Metallic, Candy Lucid Red or Pearl White paint finishes.