February sees weakest new car market since 1959

Battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles continue to spark demand, accounting for more than one in eight registrations

February sees weakest new car market since 1959

The UK new car market declined by 35.5 per cent in February as 28,282 fewer units were registered, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The industry recorded its lowest February uptake since 1959, with 51,312 new cars registered.

With showrooms closed nationwide since 5 January – and in many parts of the country, since December – both private and fleet sector demand fell, by 37.3 per cent and 33.5 per cent respectively.

All vehicle segments saw declines save for luxury saloons, which recorded a 3.8 per cent increase against a statistically very small proportion of the market.

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Plug-in vehicles continued to enjoy growth, with BEVs and PHEVs taking a combined 13 per cent market share for the month, up from just 5.7 per cent in February 2020.

BEV uptake increased by 40.2 per cent to 3,516, and PHEVs by 52.1 per cent to 3,131 as the industry continues to promote a broad range of lower-emission technologies for consumers.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “February is traditionally a small month for car registrations and with showrooms closed for the duration, the decline is deeply disappointing but expected.

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“More concerning, however, is that these closures have stifled dealers’ preparations for March with the expectation that this will now be a third, successive dismal ‘new plate month’.

“Although we have a pathway out of restrictions with rapid vaccine rollout, and proven experience in operating click and collect, it is essential that showrooms reopen as soon as possible so the industry can start to build back better, and recover the £23 billion loss from the past year.”

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  • #209319 Reply

    The UK new car market declined by 35.5 per cent in February as 28,282 fewer units were registered, according to figures published by the Society of Mo
    [See the full post at: February sees weakest new car market since 1959]

    #209321 Reply
    Meat-Head
    Blocked

    Smmt what do they know!

    Ring them up & ask for their opening hours, no idea, incapable
    Of replying to Tweets.

    As for 1959 yes, go back there, to when first mini came out
    Seal the floor with seam sealer, look how simple they are compared to this midern kak.

    Need a computer to pump your tyres up on some!

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