The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has published the 2024 new car sales figures, revealing growth of 2.6% to 1,952,778 units.
This represented a rise of 2.6% and was the second year in a row of increasing sales numbers.
Growth came despite a marginal 0.2% decline in December to 140,786 units.
Over the full year, higher numbers were driven by fleets, which were up 11.8% to 1,163,855 units, accounting for 59.6% of all new car registrations, while registrations by private buyers fell 8.7% to 746,276 units.
Meanwhile, 43,656 new battery electric vehicles were sold in December, accounting for 31% of all sales, with EVs making up 19.6% of all new sales (381,970 units) during the year.
This represents an increase of 67,283 units on 2023, but still short of the 22% ZEV Mandate target with lacklustre demand by private buyers slowing EV uptake.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “A record year for EV registrations underscores vehicle manufacturers’ unswerving commitment to a decarbonised new car market, with more choice, better range and increased affordability than ever before. This has come at huge cost, however, with the billions invested in new models being supplemented by generous incentives which are unsustainable.
“We need rapid results from the regulatory review and urgent substantive support for consumers – else automotive investments will be at risk and the jobs, economic growth and net zero ambitions we all share in jeopardy.”
