UK new car market rebounds 24% in April as two-millionth electric vehicle is registered
By
Paul Large
Crusty in the right places. Worth the chew.
Summary
The UK new car market grew 24% in April to 149,247 registrations, marking the best April since 2019. The rebound follows a weak April last year when buyers shifted purchases to March to avoid vehicle tax increases, including VED and the Expensive Car Supplement on battery electric vehicles. The two-millionth electric car was registered in the UK, though BEV market share fell slightly to 15.7% from 16.9% last year. Petrol and diesel registrations declined, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) saw significant growth. The SMMT calls for government action to stimulate private EV demand through tax cuts and infrastructure investment.
Key quotes
· 3 pulled'The new car market is back on form after a difficult 2022 and 2023, with the best April since 2019,' said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.
'The two millionth electric car has been registered, a milestone that shows the technology is here to stay,' said Mike Hawes.
'Manufacturers are investing heavily in new models and are pulling out all the stops to encourage uptake, but the market is not yet self-sustaining,' said Mike Hawes.
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