January New Car Sales: Winners & Losers

Chinese brands got off to a strong start to the year with a surge in registrations.

Jaecoo saw sales rocket 570% to 4,850 units for the month while sister brand saw sales up 211.3% for the month to 1,846 units.

The Jaecoo 7 was number two in the selling car for the month behind the Kia Sportage

BYD was also a prominent player for the month with sales up 149% to 4,021 units, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Other brands to show growth in January included Citroen (+97%), Polestar (+43.4%) and Cupra (+21.4%).

At the other end of the spectrum Fiat was down -82% to 257 units for the month, Tesla fell 50.8% to 718 units, Honda was down -45.7% to 882 units, Jeep -37.5% to 600. Seat and Peugeot were own -32.7% and -19.2% respectively.

Overall, the UK new car market grew by 3.4% in January to reach 144,127 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT CEO said: “Britain’s new car market is building back momentum after a challenging start to the decade.

“It is also decarbonising more rapidly than ever and, despite a January dip in EV market share, the signs point to growth by the end of the year.

“The pace of the transition, however, may be slowing and is certainly behind mandated targets.

“With sales of new pure petrol and diesel cars planned to end in less than four years, there needs to be a comprehensive review of the transition now, to ensure ambition can match reality.”