UK sales best for 20 years

The new-car market in the UK has recorded its best February performance for two decades after registrations rose 14 per cent from a year ago to 84,886 units, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

It was the 19th month of consecutive growth for the sector, with the increases primarily driven by fleets investing in the latest vehicles. 

The total number of sales was the best for February since 2004 when 91,460 units were sold.

The SMMT notes fleets and businesses were responsible for all of the latest increase, with registrations for those segments up year-on-year by 25.2 per cent and 15.5 per cent respectively. 

Private uptake of new cars continued to struggle, with sales dropping 2.6 per cent last month to record a 33.7 per cent market share. 

Highlights from the February figures include registrations of hybrids rising 12.1 per cent from the same month in 2023 and their market share dipping slightly to 12.7 per cent. 

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) recorded the largest proportional growth for the month, rising 29.1 per cent to reach 7.2 per cent of the market. 

As for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), demand rose 21.8 per cent and such models accounted for 17.7 per cent of registrations compared with 16.5 per cent in February 2023.

Ford’s Puma, pictured, was the top model in February with 2,535 registrations and also leads the year-to-date chart on 6,736 units.