UK new car registrations for 2019 fell -2.4%. There was a total of 2.3 million units registered last year.

Record levels of registrations for battery electric cars up 144%.

“A third year of decline for the UK new car market is a significant concern for industry and the wider economy. Political and economic uncertainty, and confusing messages on clean air zones have taken their toll on buyer confidence, with demand for new cars at a six-year low.

“A stalling market will hinder industry’s ability to meet stringent new CO2 targets and, importantly, undermine wider environmental goals. We urgently need more supportive policies: investment in infrastructure; broader measures to encourage uptake of the latest, low and zero emission cars; and long term purchase incentives to put the UK at the forefront of this technological shift. Industry is playing its part with a raft of exciting new models in 2020 and compelling offers but consumers will only respond if economic confidence is strong and the technology affordable.”

Said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.

Best selling new cars in 2019.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).