While the UK new car market continues to stall due to a variety of factors, the EV and Hybrid market continues to break new ground and could be set for record figures next month.

August’s 68,033 new car registrations was the lowest since 2013, 22 per cent less than a year ago when the country was gripped by pandemic uncertainty. But there was good new for both BEV and PHEVs in August, with a 18.3 per cent share of the market thanks to total sales of 12,437, a year-on-year rise of 46 per cent.

Throughout the year, plug-in vehicles have seen sales of 165,576, which equates to a market share of 15 per cent, again demonstrating the strength of EVs performance in August and leading to estimates that the September new registration boost could see a record month for EV sales. The Vauxhall Corsa-e is the most popular small all-electric car in the UK, closely followed by the Kia Niro EV. The Ford Puma was the most popular car overall in August, seeing sales of 1,801 to add to its yearly total of 22,654. The Vauxhall Corsa remains top of the podium overall for 2021, with sales of 27,381.

“While August is normally one of the quietest months for UK new car registrations these figures are still disappointing, albeit not wholly surprising,” Mike Hawes, Chief Executive for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. “The global shortage of semiconductors has affected UK, and indeed global, car production volumes so new car registrations will inevitably be undermined. Government can help by continuing the supportive Covid measures in place currently, especially the furlough scheme which has proven invaluable to so many businesses.

“As we enter the important September plate-change month with an ever-increasing range of electrified models and attractive deals, buyers in the market for the new 71 plate can be reassured manufacturers are doing all they can to ensure prompt deliveries.”

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