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.

60 plate

The 60 plate arrives in September and many small businesses will be considering what their next company car might be. However the vehicle lead times for many manufacturers, including Audi, BMW and Volkswagen are long and for example on an Audi A1 there is no stock available and a factory order is around 28 weeks.

So if  you are thinking of contract hiring your next Audi you will have a long wait. We have shown a latest summary of general vehicle lead times and availability courtesy of Inchcape Corporate, one of the UK’s leading motor retailers.

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.