Despite some nerves, there is a general sense of optimism inside the industry the number 13 registration plate won’t prove unlucky for new car sales.
March is a traditionally strong period for new car sales, as buyers are keen to get the latest plate, with 2012 March figures providing record growth figures for several marques, following optimistic predictions for finance from dealers earlier that year.
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There had been fears that this wouldn’t be the case this year, as buyers would be put of by the traditional connotations of the number 13, despite the many finance deals to come to market in Q1 2013.
However, a number of UK automotive players have suggested this is a good time to purchase a car, with Car Loan 4U co-director Ryan Dignan suggesting it was "an exciting time for new cars buyers" and pointed to several models as potential attractions.
Meanwhile, AA Financial Services has said while less people will purchase a new registration than in other years, this was due to personal finances, not superstition, according to a company statement.
Car valuation firm CAP released a statement predicting fears that motorists will steer clear of the 13 plate, or that such cars will depreciate faster are unfounded, describing the possible impact as "immeasurably small."
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By GlobalDataThis is roughly inline with a Motor Finance survey conducted around the September plate change, in which 64% of dealers questioned felt that the 13-plate would not put people off, compared to just 9% who said it would.
