Cars

123,296 new cars registered as industry records weakest July performance since before the millennium.
Industry revises annual outlook down to 1.82 million units, as supply chain shortages and ‘pingdemic’ frustrate both supply and demand.
Plug-in vehicle uptake accelerates to 17.1% of market with 21,039 units registered in July, with electric vehicles now expected to account for more than one in six new cars acquired in 2021.

186,128 new cars registered in June, up 28.0% on same month last year when most dealerships reopened after first lockdown.
Uptake down -16.4% on 10-year June average and down -26.8% year to date.
Consumer confidence steady but global semiconductor shortage impacts vehicle supply.

156,737 new cars registered in May – significantly up from last year when retailer doors were shut during the pandemic. Plug-in vehicle market continues to rise, accounting for 13.8% of registrations in 2021 so far Despite more positive economic outlook,…

141,583 new cars registered as showrooms reopen – significantly up on April 2020 when lockdown closed retail and the nation, but still -12.9% down on decade average.
SMMT revises forecast upwards to 1.86m registrations by end of the year, up 13.9% on 2020.
Plug-in vehicles forecast to account for more than one in seven registrations in 2021.

SMMT analysis reveals around 460 models, 4,650 standard specifications and an almost infinite number of options, giving customers near limitless choice as showrooms reopen.
Breadth of range highlights vital role of showrooms and staff in helping drivers select the right vehicle for their requirements.
Vehicle renewal essential for Britain to achieve its green goals, as electric powertrains and more efficient engines deliver -21.7% reduction in CO2 emissions per average car over past decade.

Updated automotive sector safe restart guidance for vehicle retailers published by SMMT and NFDA. Dealerships ready to welcome back staff and customers on 12 April, with comprehensive safety measures covering showrooms, vehicle demonstrations and test-drives. The UK automotive retail sector…

UK new car registrations ‘grow’ for first time since August – up 11.5% – but remain -36.9% adrift of 10-year March average.
Showrooms ready for opening next week following Q1 shortfall of 58,032 fewer cars, at a cost of £1.8bn to industry.
Around 8,300 registrations a day needed for a return to average pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year.

Weakest February since 1959 as 28,282 fewer cars registered during traditionally quiet month.
Battery electric (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) continue to spark demand, accounting for more than one in eight registrations.
Market outlook downgraded to 1.83 million registrations in 2021 as showroom closures continue to stall order books.

Just 90,249 new cars registered in January – the worst start to a year since 1970 despite click and collect preventing greater fal
New emissions figures show 2020 delivered the cleanest vehicles in history as average CO2 emissions fell by -11.8% on previous year, but more to do to deliver net zero
Industry needs showrooms open at earliest opportunity once safe to do so, to protect jobs and accelerate zero emission vehicle transition

UK annual new car registrations drop to 1.63 million in toughest year for market since 1992.
Covid-enforced showroom closures drive overall demand down -29.4% – a 680,076-unit decline equivalent to £20.4bn in lost turnover.
Best-ever year for electric cars with battery and plug-in hybrid vehicles market share up to 10.7%.
Investment in charging infrastructure and battery gigafactories now essential to reboot industry and meet post-Brexit electrification challenge