New car sales fall during lockdown

“As expected, new car registrations were affected by the COVID-19 emergency in April with franchised dealerships’ showrooms closed in line with the Government’s guidelines”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK commenting on the latest SMMT figures.

New car sales declined by 97.3% in April with 4,321 units registered. Year to date, the market is down -43.4%. In April, fleet orders took a market share of 71.5%. Year to date, sales of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles remain above last year’s levels.

Robinson continued, “Despite these figures, many franchised dealers continued to deliver aftersales service to key workers and the industry is now working hard to enable trading to restart with all necessary measures in place.

“NFDA has been talking to the relevant Government departments and manufacturers to ensure work can commence safely for the benefit of dealerships’ staff and customers.

“Over the coming months, it will be vital to evaluate a support package that stimulates the market and ensures the long-term stability of a sector which is key to the UK economy and provides employment to thousands of people”.