FLEETS are being swamped by choice as manufacturers now offer 6,000 variants to buyers.

A new study reveals that in the past three years, the choice of cars on the market has grown by 42%.

Currently, 62 manufacturers offer 322 model ranges with 6,114 model variations. Three years ago, the same number of manufacturers offered 4,301 variations from 292 models, according to figures compiled by EurotaxGlass’s.

The rapid rise in choice can be partially attributed to a trend for diversification by car-makers, reflecting the market’s growing appetite for niche vehicles such asjh SUVs and MPVs, as well as lower demand for conventional saloons and hatchbacks.

Alan Cole, editorial consultant for the Glass’s Market Intelligence Service, said: ‘One direct consequence of the rise in vehicle choice is a fall in the total number of registrations for each model.

‘The overall average UK registration per model currently stands at just 563. Not surprisingly, the fewer the number of available models, the higher the average number of registrations.

‘One can speculate that the small number of MINI models available has in some way contributed to the marque’s phenomenal success.’

Cole feels dealers may press for model rationalisation.

He said: ‘If vehicle manufacturers do not do this themselves, they may be forced into doing so by their dealer networks. When dealerships are in a position to be in better control of their own destiny and choose only to stock models that consumers actually want, model rationalisation will occur naturally.’

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