July sees double-digit sales rise

UK new car registrations rose for the first time this year in July, when they increased by 11.3%.

This is according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which found that some 174,887 cars were registered in July 2020 as dealerships across the UK opened for their first full month of trading since February.

This represents a significant improvement on the same month last year, when declining business and consumer confidence undermined the market.

Private demand saw the most significant growth with a 20.4% increase in registrations, while public appetite for zero and ultra low emission cars remains stable, with plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles taking a nine per cent share of registrations for July, compared with 9.5% last month and up from 3.1% for 2019 overall.

Business car registrations showed modest growth, with fleet purchases increasing by 5.2%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “July’s figures are positive, with a boost from demand pent up from earlier in the year and some attractive offers meaning there are some very good deals to be had. We must be cautious, however, as showrooms have only just fully reopened nationwide and there is still much uncertainty about the future.

“By the end of September we should have a clearer picture of whether or not this is a long-term trend. Although this month’s figures provide hope, the market remains fragile in the face of possible future spikes and localised lockdowns as well as, sadly, probable job losses across the economy. The next few weeks will be crucial in showing whether or not we are on the road to recovery.”