The UK new automobile market fell -1.0% to 84,054 models in February, the fifth consecutive month of decline.
There was a 4% discount in fleet registrations, which have pushed earlier market progress. Non-public registrations rose by 4.6% to barely enhance general market share to 35.6%, whereas the smaller enterprise sector rose by 3.3%, based on figures from the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT).
Electrified automobile uptake continued to develop, with plug-in hybrid autos (PHEVs) rising 19.3% and hybrid electrical autos (HEVs) up 7.9%.
Battery electrical automobile (BEV) registrations had been up by 41.7% to 21,244 models, securing a 25.3% market share in contrast with 17.7% a 12 months in the past.
The SMMT stated enhance in contrast with the remainder of the market was unsurprising contemplating the forthcoming tax adjustments in April, which can see many EV fashions topic to the automobile excise obligation costly automobile complement (ECS) for the primary time.
It added that subsequent month is prone to see an extra surge in EV uptake, as patrons capitalise on the brand new ’25 plate and take their final likelihood to keep away from the ECS.
“It is always dangerous, however, to draw conclusions from a single month, especially one as small and volatile as February. With the all-important March number plate change now upon us, and tax changes taking effect in April that will, perversely, dissuade EV purchases, we expect significant demand for these new products next month – but, long term, EV consumers need carrots, not ever more sticks.”
