According to SMMT, UK New Car Market Falls -7.3% in January
According to SMMT, the UK new car market declined -7.3% in January 2020. There were 149,279 vehicles that left showrooms in the month.
There continues to be confusion over diesel and clean air zones as well as weak consumer and business confidence.
- Registrations by private buyers were down -13.9%.
- Fleet registrations fell -2.2%.
- New diesel cars fell for the 34th month by 36%.
- Petrol registrations declines -9.5%.
- Hybrid electric cars increased 20.6%
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle demand was up 111.1%.
- Battery electric vehicle registrations surged 203.9%.
These figures were published 1 day after the government announced to end the sale of all vehicles with an internal combustion engine, including HEVs and PHEV by 2035.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The new car market is a key driver of the UK’s overall economy, so another month of decline is unsettling. Consumer confidence is not returning to the market and will not be helped by government’s decision to add further confusion and instability by moving the goalposts on the end of sale of internal combustion engine cars. While ambition is understandable, as we must address climate change and air quality concerns, blanket bans do not help short-term consumer confidence. To be successful, government must lead the transition with an extensive and appropriately funded package of fiscal incentives, policies and investment to drive demand. We want to deliver air quality and environmental improvements now but need a strong market to do so.”
For more details, head over to SMMT.