New car market sees seventh straight month of growth

Britain’s new car market grew by 26.2% in February as 74,441 new cars joined Britain's roads

Vauxhall Corsa
© Vauxhall

UK new car registrations grew by 26.2 percent in February – the seventh consecutive month of growth.

Easing supply chain shortages has edged the UK new car market closer to pre-pandemic levels, down just 6.5 percent on the same month in 2020, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Of the 74,441 new cars registered in February, 32,311 were petrol, 12,310 fully electric, 9,633 hybrid, 10,067 mild hybrid (petrol), 4,723 plug-hybrid and 2049 mild hybrid (diesel). All were up on the same month in 2022, with only diesel (3,348 registrations) seeing a fall.

Diesel cars now account for just 4.2 percent of the new car market, down from 5.7 percent in February 2022. In contrast, pure electric cars enjoy a 14.3 percent share of the market (year to date).

Commenting on the figures, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: ”After seven months of growth, it is no surprise that the UK automotive sector is facing the future with growing confidence. It is vital, however, that government takes every opportunity to back the market, which plays a significant role in Britain’s economy and net zero ambition.

”As we move into ‘new plate month’ in March, with more of the latest high-tech cars available, the upcoming Budget must deliver measures that drive this transition, increasing affordability and ease of charging for all.”

Best-selling cars – February 2023

  1. Vauxhall Corsa: 2818 registrations
  2. Vauxhall Mokka: 1805
  3. Ford Puma: 1590
  4. Nissan Juke: 1561
  5. Hyundai Tucson: 1528
  6. Tesla Model Y: 1482
  7. Volkswagen T-Roc: 1360
  8. Ford Fiesta: 1303
  9. Kia Sportage: 1262
  10. Toyota C-HR: 1244

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