NEW CAR SALES REPORT CONTINUED GROWTH AND DEALERS ARE OPTIMISTIC

“After a positive first quarter of 2023, April has seen a continuation of pre-pandemic trends in new vehicle sales and franchised dealers are reporting strong levels of footfall into showrooms,” 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 132,990 new cars were registered, an increase of 11.6% from the same period last year. Sales to private buyers fell by -5.5%; fleet registrations were up by 33.1%.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) experienced significant growth, up 59.1% to 20,522 units. Plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) registrations increased by 33.3% to 8,595 units, and hybrids (HEVs) followed with growth of 7.7% to 15,026 units. There are now 96,755 registered BEVs on the road in 2023 compared to the 77,064 at the same point last year, a 25.6% increase.

With sales of electric growing, diesel fell from 6,725 units to 5,825 (-13.4%), but petrol has risen from 54,633 units to 56,885 units (4.1%).

Sue Robinson added: “Electric vehicles continue to grow market share in the UK. However, the velocity of sales is being impeded by a lack of adequate charging infrastructure across the country. Franchised Dealers with their Electric Vehicle Approved (“EVA”) accreditation are working hard to help customers navigate the challenges of this growing market and address any queries, concerns they may have as we move to an electric future.”