UK new car registrations fell by 1.6% year-on-year in November, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The decline came despite fleet registrations increasing by 0.2%, and the niche business market, classed as those to firms with fewer than 25 vehicles, rising by 18%, as demand from private buyers fell by 5.5%.
In terms of fuel mix, pure EV registrations rose by 3.6% year-on-year, making November the weakest month for new EV market growth for nearly two years, although the vehicles’ market share rose to 26.4%
Plug-in hybrids were up by 14.8%, taking 11.9% of the market, while conventional hybrids were up by 1.3% for a 13.1% market share.
Petrol car registrations were down by 5.9%, for a 43.8% market share, while diesels were down by 24%, taking 4.7% of the market.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Even in a fragile market, zero emission vehicle uptake continues to rise, which is exactly what we need. But the weakest growth for almost two years – ahead of government announcing a new tax on EVs – should be seen as a wake-up call that sustained increase in demand for EVs cannot be taken for granted.
“We should be taking every opportunity to encourage drivers to make the switch, not punishing them for doing so, else the ambitions of government and industry will be thwarted.”
