UK new car market grows by 21% in September

The UK car market witnessed a really strong sales month in September with a 21% increase in sales – the 14th consecutive month of growth.

Of the total sales volume, 1 in 10 were electric, with company car fleet purchase sales counting for a large proportion with a 50.6% increase when compared to the previous month.

With the total number of 45,300 new EV’s hitting the road, sadly private consumer registrations declined by 14.3% in the month, potentially still highlighting the cost difference that exists between traditional petrol and diesel cars and EV’s. This could also be down to the recent push back on the government to delay the transition to electric.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “A bumper September means the new car market remains strong despite economic challenges. However, with tougher EV targets for manufacturers coming into force next year, we need to accelerate the transition, encouraging all motorists to make the switch.

“This means adding carrots to the stick – creating private purchase incentives aligned with business benefits, equalising on-street charging VAT with off-street domestic rates and mandating charge point rollout in line with how electric vehicle sales are now to be dictated.

“The forthcoming Autumn Statement is the perfect opportunity to create the conditions that will deliver the zero emission mobility essential to our shared net zero ambition.”

The pressure is not going away for the government to create the opportunity for consumers to transition to electric as their primary source for transport. We will no doubt see a range of incentives from the government to help and the cost for car manufacturers to produce EV’s will come down as they move into mass market production.

This transition is going to take time.