Both the new car and new LCV markets enjoyed record months in February, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
It reported that new car registrations rose 14% to 84,886 units, completing 19 months of growth and making it the best February performance for 20 years.
Growth was driven by sales to fleets and businesses, which were up 25.2% and 15.5%, although private uptake fell by 2.6%
In terms of fuel types, hybrid electric vehicles rose 12.1%, plug-in hybrids were up 29.1%, and battery electric vehicle increased by 21.8%.
Meanwhile, LCV sales increased 2.2% last month to 17,934 units, the highest number recorded since February 1998.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The new car market’s ability to deliver growth continues with its best February for 20 years and this week’s Budget is an opportunity to ensure that growth is greener. Tackling the triple tax barrier as the market embarks on its busiest month of the year would boost EV demand, cutting carbon emissions and energising the economy. It will deliver a faster and fairer zero emission transition, putting Britain’s EV ambition back in the fast lane.”
