“It has been a strong first half of the year for new vehicle sales, up 18.4% on the first half of 2022, driven by overall resilient demand. Supply side constraints are still prevalent for certain manufacturers, but on the whole, retailers are noticing consistent improvement for showroom stock and wait times are gradually reducing,” said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK commenting on the latest SMMT’s new passenger car registration figures.
In June, a total of 177,266 new cars were registered, an increase of 25.8% from the same period last year. Sales to private buyers increased by 14.8%; fleet registrations were up by 37.9%.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) experienced significant growth, up 39.4% to 31,700 units. Plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) registrations increased by 65.5% to 12,770 units, and hybrids (HEVs) followed with growth of 40.1% to 20,991 units. There are now 152,968 registered BEVs on the road in 2023 compared to the 115,249 at the same point last year, a 32.7% increase.
With sales of electric growing, diesel fell from 8,003 units to 6,221 (-22.3%), but petrol has risen from 62,005 units to 70,367 units (13.5%).
Sue Robinson added: “Ongoing economic turbulence, including rising interest rates and inflation is impacting consumer spending power. Price parity between EV and ICE is still far too wide which has the potential to become a problem on the road to 2030. It is imperative Government does not lose focus on its climate commitments and introduces more financial incentives for the general public to support affordability of EVs and enabling an efficient and fully functional charging infrastructure.
NFDA members that have received their Electric Vehicle Approved (“EVA”) accreditation are continuing to help with the green transition the best they can, acting as vital information hubs for customers looking to make their transition to electric and the newest range of products to suit the motorists’ needs.”
ENDS -
NOTES TO EDITORS -
For more information please visit: https://evapproved.co.uk/
Adam Weeks, NFDA Communications Officer
Direct: 020 7307 3413
Mobile: 0788 003 9897
Email: adam.weeks@rmif.co.uk
