The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) has welcomed the government review of the ZEV Mandate for new car sales but called for long term targeted measures to be introduced to assist the used car sector.
The call came as it revealed flat figures for the used car market for finance in the first half of 2026.
The consumer used car finance market reported new business up 1% by value in June while volumes held steady, compared with the same month in 2025.
In the first half of 2026, new business volumes in this market were 2% lower than in the same period in 2025.
In contrast, the consumer new car finance market reported new business up 21% by value and 21% by volume in June compared with the same month in 2025.
In the first half of 2026, new business volumes in this market were 17% higher than in the same period in 2025, it said.
Geraldine Kilkelly, director of research and chief economist at the FLA, said: “June’s figures cap a strong first half year for the consumer car finance market, driven by a buoyant new car market and growing demand for electric vehicles.
“Finance is playing a vital role in supporting household spending and the transition to cleaner transport, with FLA members funding almost nine in ten private new car purchases and almost all private new BEV purchases.
“The Government’s ZEV Mandate review is a welcome and important step. We hope it will deliver on the Government’s commitment to a business-friendly and realistic policy framework that supports confidence among manufacturers and investors.
However, long-term success will depend on the strength of the entire EV market, not just new vehicle sales.
“As increasing volumes of electric vehicles enter the used market over the coming years, targeted measures to support consumer demand will be essential to ensure a healthy, sustainable and predictable balance between new and used vehicle markets.”
