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New car market returns to form in July

NFDA 05/08/2020

“The +11.3% increase in new car registrations is further demonstration of the pent-up demand generated during lockdown and reflects the opening of dealerships throughout the UK”, 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’s new passenger car registration figures.

The UK new car market grew by 11.3% in July with 174,887 total units registered. In July, diesel cars sales declined by 25.9%, whilst petrol rose by 0.3%. Battery electric vehicles also rose by 259.4%. Demand from private consumers increased by 20.4% and fleet by 5.2%. Year to date, 828,389 new cars have been registered, -41.9% less than last year.

July was the first month since the lockdown all dealerships across the UK were able to stay open through the whole month.

Sue Robinson added, “It is positive that in addition to the encouraging trend in the used car market, new car sales have also returned to form. We must however continue to monitor the health of consumer demand to understand the support our sector may need over the coming months.

“It is encouraging to see continued growth in the battery electric vehicle sector which shows consumers have an appetite for these vehicles.

“August is traditionally a quiet month, however as commuters continue to look for alternatives to avoid public transport, automotive retailers can benefit from the increasing interest from consumers to buy a car”. 

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About the RMI

The Retail Motor Industry represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.