OCTOBER 2024 NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS FALL. Short new car news.

The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that in October, the UK new car market fell by -6% to 144,288 registrations.

October’s best-selling car was the Kia Sportage and the Ford Puma continues to lead in the year-to-date sales.

Massive manufacturer investment in model choice and market support is helping make the UK the second largest EV market in Europe. That transition, however, must not perversely slow down the reduction of carbon emissions from road transport. Fleet renewal across the market remains the quickest way to decarbonise, so diminishing overall uptake is not good news for the economy, for investment or for the environment. EVs already work for many people and businesses, but to shift the entire market at the pace demanded requires significant intervention on incentives, infrastructure and regulation.

Said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.