Sales of new cars to private buyers fell -5.5% in November in a “fragile” market, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders.
Overall, the UK new car market declined slightly in November as new registrations fell by -1.6% to 151,154 units. Fleet uptake edged up 0.2%.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake, supported by the Electric Car Grant, rose to reach 26.4% share of the market, just ahead of the 25.1% achieved in November last year.
Year to date BEV share is 22.7%, well short of the 28% annual government target.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “Even in a fragile market, zero emission vehicle uptake continues to rise, which is exactly what we need.
“But the weakest growth for almost two years – ahead of government announcing a new tax on EVs – should be seen as a wake-up call that sustained increase in demand for EVs cannot be taken for granted.
“We should be taking every opportunity to encourage drivers to make the switch, not punishing them for doing so, else the ambitions of government and industry will be thwarted.”
