AS the crucial September plate change month draws to a close I’ve been taking a close look at the figures.

The total industry volume so far looks to be a lot healthier this September than it did last year – and this follows a pleasant surprise in August with sales up for the first time in over a year.

However, delve deeper into the numbers and you can see that the year to date figures show 2011’s market is still lower than last year’s. So what does this tell us? That the market is strengthening in a poor climate?

Well, it’s clear from the figures that the retail market is struggling. So far this year it is down 12 per cent while fleet is up seven per cent.

But then we all know the fleet channel can be used to hide a lot of pushed business, so perhaps all is not as it seems… I think with the current economic pressures it’s not hard to see this trend continuing for rest of the year.

CLOSER TO HOME

However if we take a look at Nissan’s performance it’s pleasing to note we are up 13 per cent in total with retail 10 per cent up and fleet 14 per cent to the good.

That means we’re doing a good job in a very tough market – and that shows the rising natural demand for our products.

In the remaining days of the 61-reg month we all need to ensure we are working hard to close down all sales opportunities.

As many of you know, a lot can happen in the closing stages of the month so let’s keep pushing until the chequered flag is waved on the 31st. Good luck!