- UK new car registrations decline -20.6% to 124,394 units in
second weakest May in three decades after locked-down 2020, as
components shortages impact vehicle availability despite demand.
- Battery electric vehicle uptake increases by 17.7%,
representing 12.4% of the month’s registrations, as manufacturers
prioritise their supply.
- Incentives and infrastructure key to consumer confidence in
choosing electric for their new car.
New UK car registrations fell -20.6% to 124,394 units in the
second weakest May since 1992, after the 2020 pandemic-hit
market, as supply shortages continued to hamper new purchases and
the fulfilment of existing orders, according to the latest
figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
(SMMT). The decline, compared with the first full month of
reopened showrooms in May last year, demonstrates the impact of
continued global supply chain disruptions, with the market -32.3%
below the 2019 pre-pandemic level despite strong order
books.1
While private consumer purchases fell -10.3%, their market share
increased year-on-year by 6.1 percentage points to 53.2%, in part
due to manufacturers striving to fulfil deliveries – particularly
of electric vehicles – to private buyers, with the commensurate
effect on the business and large fleet sectors, which now
comprise 46.8% of the market.
Despite the myriad challenges affecting the industry and a high
level of market distortion due to restricted supply of all
vehicle types and technologies, manufacturers have worked hard to
sustain progress towards the decarbonisation of road transport
and the delivery of UK’s ambitious net zero targets. May saw
registrations of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) rise by 17.7%,
representing one in eight new cars joining the road last month.
Plug-in hybrids declined -25.5%, while hybrids were up 12.0%,
meaning deliveries of electrified vehicles accounted for three in
10 new cars.
Superminis continued to be the most sought-after segment by
British motorists, making up 32.7% of registrations in the month,
despite their registrations falling -16.4% to 40,667 units,
followed by dual purpose, which accounted for 28.9% of the market
even after a -14.1% fall in volumes. The small volume luxury car
segment was the only area of growth, up 16.8%, to 369 units.
The supply chain challenge has contributed to an overall market
decline in the year to date of -8.7%, equivalent to 62,724 fewer
units. This is -40.6% below the five-year average recorded from
January to May, as the new car market continues to struggle to
emerge from the impact of the pandemic.2
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “In
yet another challenging month for the new car market, the
industry continues to battle ongoing global parts shortages, with
growing battery electric vehicle uptake one of the few bright
spots. To continue this momentum and drive a robust mass market
for these vehicles, we need to ensure every buyer has the
confidence to go electric. This requires an acceleration in the
rollout of accessible charging infrastructure to match the
increasing number of plug-in vehicles, as well as incentives for
the purchase of new, cleaner and greener cars.
“Delivering on Net Zero means renewing the vehicles on our roads
at pace but, with rising inflation and a squeeze on household
incomes, this will be increasingly difficult unless businesses
and private buyers have the confidence and encouragement to do
so.”
Notes to editors
1 May 2019 car registrations: 183,724 units.
2 Pre-pandemic five-year average, year to May:
1,113,434 units.
