New Car Registrations in the UK Continue Upward Trend for 21st Consecutive Month

The UK’s new car market continues to show resilience and growth, with April marking the 21st consecutive month of increasing new car registrations. Despite the ongoing impact of the pandemic, the market saw a modest 1.0 per cent increase in registrations, reaching 134,274 units. Fleet registrations were the primary driver of growth, with a significant increase of 18.5 per cent, while private buyer uptake witnessed a dip of 17.7 per cent.

The Ford Puma reclaimed the top spot in April, with other popular models like the Volkswagen Polo and Audi A4 following closely behind. The surge in electrified vehicles also played a significant role in market expansion, with plug-in hybrids, hybrids, and EVs all experiencing growth in registrations.

However, concerns remain over private buyer enthusiasm for electric vehicles, as uptake volumes plummeted by 21.9 per cent in April. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes emphasized the need for government incentives to drive the mass market transition to EVs and achieve Britain’s net zero ambition.

Overall, the positive momentum in the UK’s new car market is a promising sign of recovery and growth, with the potential for further expansion in the coming months. As the industry continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, innovative solutions and government support will be crucial in driving sustainable growth and achieving environmental goals.