Carmakers are expected to introduce more discounts on EVs in the coming weeks and beyond to shift stock and meet ZEV Mandate targets.
In February, the volume of new cars being advertised on Auto Trader rose 3% MoM and 20% YoY.
Bex Kennett, New Car Performance director at Auto Trader, said: “Although it’s been a somewhat lacklustre start to the new car market in 2025, it’s very encouraging to see a record number of visits to our new car platform this month, suggesting consumers are getting set to buy their brand new 25 plate car.
“Our data shows that both retailers and manufacturers are also putting themselves in the very best position to capitalise, not only accelerating their offers, but importantly making sure their new car stock is in front of the UK’s largest audience of in-market car buyers.
“We’ll be monitoring the data closely over the coming weeks, but we hope March proves to be a very successful trading month for all retailers.”
Brands have accelerated discounts on their cars. Although the average discount applied to new electric cars in February has fallen, from 11.3% in January to 10.8%, discounts on new cars have increased from 8.8% to an average of 9% this month.
Auto Trader has a significant rise in interest from consumers for brand new cars. Visits to its new car platform increased 15% month-on-month (MoM) in February, whilst year-on-year (YoY) it jumped by a massive 23%. This marks a record start to the year.
The MG ZS is the most in-demand new electric vehicle on the platform.
