The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported that new car sales in November were just 96 units lower than the same month in 2019.
Its figures revealed that sales rose by 9.5% in November to reach 156,525 units, with growth driven by fleets, where registrations rose 25.4% to account for 93,049 units and 59.4% of the market.
Meanwhile, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) grew by 27.8% and 55.8% respectively, while the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew by 12.7% in November to 27,433 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Britain’s new car market continues to recover, fuelled by fleets investing in the latest and greenest new vehicles. With car makers gearing up to meet their responsibilities under new market legislation, and COP28 currently underway, now is the time to take sensible steps that will multiply that economic growth and minimise carbon emissions. Private EV buyers need incentives in line with those that have so successfully driven business uptake – and workable trade rules that promote rather than penalise the transition.”
