New car sales enjoy double-digit growth in July
New cars sales increased 11.7% in July to 156,571 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
This rise means new cars sales in the UK have risen for eight months in a row.
Private buyer uptake increased 12.6%, fleet deliveries were up 9.5% and the lower-volume business segment rose 61.3%.
New car sales growth was driven by greater demand for electrified vehicles, with plug-in hybrids up 33.6% to take a 14.9% market share, hybrids up 11.6% to account for 13.2%, and pure electric sales surging by 44.5% to account for a 27.5% share. The SMMT is now expecting electric vehicle sales to make up 27.4% of the market this year, rising to 32.1% in 2027.
New car sales
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “July’s record EV performance is a great achievement, reflecting industry’s huge investment in zero emission mobility. But that progress cannot be sustained if manufacturers continue haemorrhaging billions in EV discounts, distorting demand to avoid even steeper penalties. The sector’s commitment to decarbonisation is not in doubt but its ability to remain viable – and attract investment for an EV future – is under intense pressure.
“A sustainable transition will not happen merely by compelling supply when underlying demand is not keeping pace despite year-on-year growth. We need urgent reform of the regulation, else Britain risks undermining its competitiveness and the jobs and livelihoods that depend on this industry.”
