The UK’s new car market grew during May, according to the latest figures, marking the tenth consecutive month of growth.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that 145,204 units were registered in the fifth month of the year, an increase of 16.7 per cent.
It represents ten consecutive months of growth, although registrations remain 21 per cent below pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Petrol-powered cars remain Britain’s best sellers, accounting for 57.1 per cent of all registrations. Alternatively powered vehicles, however, continue to make up an ever-larger share of the market, with plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) rising 23 per cent to reach a 6.2 per cent market share and hybrids (HEVs) growing 22.2 per cent to comprise 12.3 per cent of all registrations.
A further 24,513 battery electric vehicles joined the road during the month, up 58.7 per cent on May last year to secure a 16.9 per cent market share.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “After the difficult, Covid-constrained supply issues of the last few years, it’s good to see the new car market maintain its upward trend and the fact that growth is, increasingly, green growth is hugely encouraging.
“Transforming the market nationwide, however, and at an even greater pace means we must increase demand and help any reticent driver overcome any concerns about electric vehicles. This will require every stakeholder – industry, government, chargepoint operators and energy companies – to play their part, accelerating investment to drive decarbonisation.”
