Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that February new car market continued to decline for a fifth consecutive month. The UK new car market declined by -1.0% to 84,054  new cars registered last month. February is normally a quieter month because of the March number plate change however, there was some positive news, as private registrations rose by 4.6%.

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) new car registrations continue to rise, reaching 41.7% to 21,244 which accounts for one in four new car registrations.

Although February’s figures show a subdued overall market, the good news is that electric car uptake is increasing, albeit at huge cost to manufacturers in terms of market support. It is always dangerous, however, to draw conclusions from a single month, especially one as small and volatile as February. With the all-important March number plate change now upon us, and tax changes taking effect in April that will, perversely, dissuade EV purchases, we expect significant demand for these new products next month – but, long term, EV consumers need carrots, not ever more sticks.

 Said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.

UK best selling car so far.

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