Car registrations down again in July
UK new car registrations fell by nine per cent to reach 112,162 units in July, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The result marks the fifth month of consecutive decline, although the fall is the smallest recorded this year.
Ongoing global supply chain issues as well as Covid lockdowns in China plus disruption from the war in Ukraine continue to restrict production output and supply into the UK new car market.
However, battery electric vehicle uptake grew 9.9% to 12,243 units to achieve a 10.9% market share for the month, with overall growth in the year now at 49.9% to deliver a 13.9% market share, but hybrid registrations fell 6.7% to take 12.2% of the market.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The automotive sector has had another tough month and is drawing on its fundamental resilience during a third consecutive challenging year as the squeeze on supply bedevils deliveries. While order books are strong, we need a healthy market to ensure the sector delivers the carbon savings government ambitions demand. The next Prime Minister must create the conditions for economic growth, restore consumer confidence and support the transition to zero emission mobility.”
