OCTOBER 2021 NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS FALL AGAIN. Short new car news.

According to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) a total of 106,265 new cars where registered in October 2021. That is a -24.6% decline compared to the same month last year.

The current performance reflects the challenging supply constraints, with the industry battling against semiconductor shortages and increasingly strong economic headwinds as inflation rises, taxes increase and consumer confidence has weakened. Electrified vehicles, however, continue to buck the trend, with almost one in six new cars registered this year capable of zero-emission motoring, growth that is fundamental to the UK’s ability to hit its net zero targets. With next year looking brighter, and even more new models expected, the continuation of this transition will depend on the preservation of incentives that overcome the affordability barrier, and the ability of the public and private sectors to increase public on street charging to allay EV driver concerns.

Said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.