Deliveries of new cars fell by -1.9% in the UK during November with 153,610 joining the road, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
This is the second consecutive monthly decline and the third decline in four months.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Manufacturers are investing at unprecedented levels to bring new zero emission models to market and spending billions on compelling offers.
“Such incentives are unsustainable – industry cannot deliver the UK’s world-leading ambitions alone. It is right, therefore, that government urgently reviews the market regulation and the support necessary to drive it, given EV registrations need to rise by over a half next year.
“Ambitious regulation, a bold plan for incentives and accelerated infrastructure rollout are essential for success, else UK jobs, investment and decarbonisation will be at further risk.”
Demand from private buyers dropped by -3.3% to 58,496 units, accounting for fewer than 38.1% new registrations.
Fleet purchases, which represent the bulk (59.9%) of the market, fell by -1.1% to 91,993 units, and low-volume business demand rose by 5.2% to 3,121 units.
Petrol registrations fell -17.7%, despite the fact that it remains the most popular powertrain, and diesel registrations fell -10.1%. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid registrations declined, by -3.6% and -1.2% respectively.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations rose for an eleventh successive month, up 58.4% to 38,581 units, representing 25.1% of the overall market.
The industry expects the UK’s BEV market share to be 18.7% in 2024. A strong December performance could raise that to 19% which still falls short of the 22% mandated target for the year.
BEV registrations will need to grow by an additional 53% in 2025 if next year’s 28% mandated target is to be met.
