First models

A batch of the first all-new Ford Focus hatchbacks has been spotted on route to UK dealers in time for the new 11 Series March registration plate. The first consignment of 2,500 cars left the Ford Saarlouis plant in Germany last week and since then around 1,000 vehicles a day have been arriving.

Ford Focus cars on route

The majority of these first cars are all five-door hatchbacks and 70 per cent are also top-of-the range Titanium models destined for some lucky motorists. Vehicle availability and lead times for new models tends to be an issue for many manufacturers i.e. making sure they have enough vehicles to cope with demand, but it looks like Ford have planned well.

Horst Ritze, Ford’s Material Planning and Logistics manager, said,”Now that the all-new Ford Focus models have left the Saarlouis plant on schedule and with the highest levels of quality, deliveries to the European market will soar. We currently have 12,000 cars in the pipeline for release to markets across Europe”.

With some Audi factory-build lead times stretching to several months, Audi is set to increase their 2011 car production to cope with the demand for their product. There are 13 new Audi models being launched in 2011, including the new A6 Saloon and the Audi Q3.

Audi car plant

Audi is a popular car for SMEs and fleets alike and last year Audi produced 1,148,791 cars, which was a record-breaking number for the manufacturer. Frank Dreves, Member of the Board of Management for Production at AUDI AG commented,”Our production figures are higher than ever before at our German sites in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.This sets a good foundation for us to tackle the upcoming challenges that are part of our growth strategy”

Vehicle lead times and availability will vary by manufacturer, range and model and it is always best to order your car early so as not be disappointed. Being flexible on colour choice and vehicle specification will also speed up the delivery process, rather than placing your car on a factory order, where the lead times may be very long.

Inchcape

If you are thinking about car leasing then the following data should provide you with general availability on the most popular models on Comparecontracthire.com. The information has been supplied courtesy of InchcapeforBusiness.com, part of the Inchcape Retail Group, one of the UK’s largest dealer networks.

This is a general guide and there may well be other stock cars available at other dealerships. You may have to be flexible on the vehicle specification you are looking for however. If you have a large accessory list, the factory order lead times shown below should let you know how long it is likely to take before your vehicle is built, or shipped to the UK.

BMW availability

The following list will provide you an update on BMW car availability, courtesy of Inchcape Retail, one of the UK’s largest dealership groups. If you are looking for a new BMW then you may find you have to wait quite a few weeks before your new car arrives, unless you are flexible on your vehicle specification, so it is always best to order early and specify your future delivery date.

BMW stock availability and factory order lead times

BMW 1 Series Convertible and Coupe – low stock with 10 weeks factory order.

BMW 1 Series Hatchback, 3 Series Saloon, 3  Series Coupe, 3 Series Convertible , 3 Series Touring and all 5 Series – low stock availability with an 8 week factory order lead time.

BMW 6 Series- average stock and 8 weeks factory order.

BMW 7 Series- high stock and 10 weeks factory order.

BMW X1 – low stock and 12 weeks factory order.

BMW X3 - high stock and 8 weeks factory order.

BMW X5 – high stock and 12 weeks factory order.

BMW X6 and BMW Z4 – high stock and 10 weeks factory order.