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NEW CAR SALES DECLINE BUT ELECTRIC VEHICLES REMAIN AS INDUSTRY POSITIVE

NFDA 05/05/2022

 

 

"New car sales continued to fall in April, largely driven by supply side constraints, as a result of continued lockdowns in China, impacting the availability of new vehicles”, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive 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.

In April, a total of 119,167 new cars were registered, a decrease of -15.8% from the same period last year. Sales to private buyers grew by 17.8%; fleet registrations were down by -25%.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) saw significant growth, up 40.9% to 12,899 units. Plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) registrations declined by -36.6% to 6,449 units, whilst hybrids (HEVs) grew 18.3% to 13,951 units. There are now 175,337 registered EVs on the road in 2022 compared to the 120,541 at the same point last year, a 45.5% increase.

With sales of electric growing, diesel fell from 14,012 units to 6,725 (-52%), and petrol has fallen from 71,173 units to 54,633 (-23.2%).

Sue Robinson added: “Demand is being dampened by the cost of living pressures. NFDA’s state of the market survey* reveals cost of living increases are the most concerning factor for franchised dealers, followed by the ongoing supply constraints.

“Buying a new vehicle tends to be the second largest purchase in the life of a consumer, after their house. Therefore, franchised dealers are working extremely hard with the customer to ensure quality of service and customer care at a time when inflationary pressures are beginning to impact decision making.

"It is also of note that sales of electrified vehicles continue to perform very strongly as brands introduce new models. Franchised dealers that have Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation are extremely well placed to advise customers on what is the best new vehicle for them.”

 

ENDS

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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.