The UK new car market’s recovery continued in June, with registrations rising 11.4% to reach 213,166 units in the best performance for the month since 2019, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Private buyer registrations increased 12.5%, fleet deliveries increased by 10.5% and the smaller business segment posted a 17.1% rise. Fleets accounted for the largest share of the overall market, with 59.5% new cars registered.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “June’s performance is very strong, showing EV uptake is growing, with battery electric cars reaching their highest market share this year and more than half of buyers choosing electrified models. But even these record levels are still not enough to meet mandated targets.
“Manufacturers are investing billions developing and bringing the vehicles to market – and spending billions more to sell them, yet the market is still not moving fast enough.
“Reforming the mandate now is essential not just to keep the transition on track but to protect the UK’s competitiveness, attract investment and safeguard jobs.”
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) took 12.5% of the market, while hybrids (HEVs) accounted for 14.0%.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) saw the most significant growth, with a 30.0% share – the highest so far this year.
Year to date, BEVs account for 25.0% of the market which falls short of the 33% target.
The wider industry urges the Government to consider the next steps in the electric transition.
Ian Plummer, chief customer officer of Autotrader, added: “Battery electric cars are now taking around a third of the new car market, driven by intensifying competition and rising consumer interest in plug-in cars.
“New entrant brands are dominating in the hybrid category and serious players in electric vehicles as well, forcing established manufacturers to respond by sharpening pricing and accelerating innovation. That should help lower the cost of switching and tempt more buyers into the new car market.
“That said, it’s clear the wider context remains fragile, with ongoing uncertainty around policy, incentives and wider external pressures. Whoever is leading the next government needs to prioritise consistency and clarity to maintain car buyer confidence. Interest in EVs continues to grow, but we need to sustain this demand over the longer term.”
