HomeRegistration IndustryPersonalised Number Plates are here to say Jayne Henry July 9, 2010 Registration Industry In 1989, the DVLA took over the production and marketing of personalised car number plates. Today, twenty one years on, it is estimated that it has around 25 million plates in stock, with no sign of sales slowing. When first launched onto the market, the plates were a sign of individuality, fast becoming indicators of status and wealth. Over time, as increasing numbers of drivers from all classes and walks of life have invested in them, they have inevitably lost their exclusivity, many argue. Indeed, some find them to be flamboyant, even in bad taste, despite the considerable price tag that comes with them. Despite this perception, the demand continues; a primal urge to stand out from the crowd and declare your identity and status. Car registration plates which spell out a surname and with prices starting from around £199 ,rising to several thousand pounds. For example, the registration plate “1 NU”, valued at £2,400 in 1995, would now be valued at £75,000. Indeed, in many cases, the plate itself may well be more valuable than the car to which it is attached. There is also, of course, the added advantage that a personalised number plate will hide the age of your car. Of course, plates can also be attractive to owners of any business, who use them as a marketing tool, with having their car registration incorporating the company’s name, therefore assisting the “branding” of an organisation. Whether you associate personalised number plates with sporting shoulder pads the size of a diving board and drinking Cinzano or as a real indicator of wealth and business sense, it seems that they are here to stay. Purchased by celebrities, businesspeople, those with a significant disposable income and those who just want to give the impression of having a disposable income, they can offer a good return on investment – and make heads turn.
