UK new car market continues decline despite fivefold rise in zero emission vehicle uptake

Industry calls for policies and measures to boost uptake of latest lowest emission vehicles

UK new car market continues decline despite fivefold rise in zero emission vehicle uptake

The UK new car market continued its declining trend in August, with 1,521 fewer cars registered than in the same month last year, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Registrations fell by -1.6 per cent in what is typically one of the smallest months of the year, as falling demand for diesel and plug-in hybrid vehicles continued to impact the overall market.

Registrations from both the private and fleet sectors declined in the month, down -1.7 per cent and -3.5 per cent respectively, as demand in the small volume business segment increased by some 962 units.

Meanwhile, diesel registrations fell for the 29th month in a row, though at a slower pace than recently experienced, while petrol demand remained stable, up one per cent.

Zero emission cars saw the biggest percentage growth, up 377.5 per cent, to 3,147 units as new models and some pent up demand boosted registrations, while 4,014 hybrid electric cars also joined UK roads, an uplift of 36.2 per cent.

However, the decline in plug-in hybrid registrations continued, down -71.8 per cent to just 907 vehicles.

Manufacturer investment

In addition to the cleanest-ever petrols and diesels, the UK’s alternatively fuelled offering now includes some 27 hybrids, 27 plug-in hybrids, and 24 zero emission battery electric and hydrogen models.

Exciting new powertrain technologies, the result of massive manufacturer investment, are now rapidly coming to market – with the range set to almost double over the coming year.

However, with demand still lagging behind ambitious government targets, the SMMT is warning that much more needs to be done, and quickly, to address consumer concerns over cost and infrastructure to make this emerging technology more accessible.

Consumer concerns over cost and infrastructure

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “August is typically the new car market’s quietest month so the huge increase in EV registrations is very visible but especially welcome.

“It’s great to see consumers respond to the massive industry investment made over many years.

“While this is encouraging, these figures also show the scale of the challenge ahead. It’s a long road to zero and while manufacturers can deliver the technology, they can’t dictate the pace of uptake.

“To support a smooth transition and deliver environmental gains now, we need a long-term government commitment to measures that give consumers confidence to invest in the latest technologies that best suit their needs.”

Share your comments below.

Have your say!

0 0

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.