Cars

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

UK new car market suffers £1.3 billion revenue hit in November as 42,840 fewer new cars join British roads.
113,781 new cars registered as ‘click and collect’ capability and deliveries help offset showroom closures during English lockdown.
Industry welcomes re-opening of Covid-secure showrooms as market now down -30.7% year to date, equivalent to 663,761 units.

UK new car market falls -1.6% in October, with 140,945 cars registered, marking a nine-year low for the sector. Welsh ‘firebreak’ accounts for more than half of month’s losses, ahead of new ‘stay at home’ order for England, forcing UK…

Just 328,041 cars registered – the lowest September volume recorded since 1999.
Decline represents -15.8% drop on 10-year September average.
New 70-plate, model upgrades and attractive offers help but industry still counting cost of lockdown with more than 615,000-unit year to date shortfall.

New car registrations decline -5.8% during traditionally quiet pre-plate change month. Private car demand remains relatively steady, down -1.7%, with 699 fewer registrations, but fleet and business purchases drop by more substantial -5.5% and -57.9% respectively. Sales of zero emission-capable…