- Britain’s new car market grows for fourth month running, up
by 23.5% in November, at 142,889 units.
- Plug-ins account for more than one in four (27.7%) new
registrations as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) take their
largest monthly share of the new car market in 2022.
- SMMT calls for urgent government action to deliver charging
infrastructure and support EV uptake to deliver UK’s ambitious
net zero targets.
The UK new car market grew 23.5% in November to 142,889
registered units in the fourth consecutive month of year-on-year
growth, according to new figures published today by the Society
of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The growth delivered
the best total for November since 2019,1 with
manufacturers continuing efforts to fulfil orders amid erratic
global components supply. However, registrations in the month
were still -8.8% below 2019 levels and, while further recovery is
anticipated in 2023, global and domestic economic challenges mean
that the market will remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Registrations by large fleets energised the market, up 45.4%
compared with November last year. Demand from private buyers also
grew, albeit by a more modest 2.7%. Business registrations more
than doubled, meanwhile, up 112.2%, but remain a small fraction
of the overall market.
Zero emission vehicle uptake continues to grow, with newly
registered battery electric vehicles (BEVs) up 34.2% to represent
more than one in five new cars (20.5%) – the largest monthly
share of BEVs this year. Conversely, plug-in hybrid (PHEVs)
registrations fell by -5.8%, making up 7.1% of the
market. As a result, some 39,558 new plug-ins were
registered, representing more than one in four (27.7%) new
cars joining UK roads in November. Hybrid electric vehicles
(HEVs), meanwhile, rose by 66.9% to 11.3% of the market, driven
particularly by fleet operators looking for flexibility and
emissions reductions.
The most in-demand supermini and lower medium vehicle segments
both grew by 21.5% and 20.5% respectively in November, while dual
purpose vehicles increased by 21.8%. There was significant growth
in luxury saloon and multi-purpose vehicles, up 87.3% and 288.6%,
but these segments still remain a small section of the market.
As growth returns to the new car market, the car sector is poised
to deliver an additional £8 billion for the UK economy in 2023,
with an anticipated 15.4% market growth.2UK Automotive
is making rapid strides to deliver on its net zero targets, and
further acceleration requires forward-thinking planning and
collaboration from all stakeholders. Measures that boost
motorists’ confidence in EVs, including a fiscal framework that
encourages EV adoption and targets to speed up the provision of
charging infrastructure, will help to ensure uptake is in line
with the UK’s green goals, particularly as the ambitious Zero
Emission Vehicle Mandate comes into effect.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“Recovery for Britain’s new car market is back within our grasp,
energised by electrified vehicles and the sector’s resilience in
the face of supply and economic challenges. As the sector looks
to ensure that growth is sustainable for the long term, urgent
measures are required – not least a fair approach to driving EV
adoption that recognises these vehicles remain more expensive,
and measures to compel investment in a charging network that is
built ahead of need. By doing so we can encourage consumer
appetite across the country and accelerate the UK’s journey to
net zero.”
Notes to editors
1 November 2019: 156,621 units.
2 Based on SMMT Market Outlook
(October 2022) and Jato vehicle pricing data.
