5th Mar 2026 09:39
(Alliance News) - The UK's new car market recorded its strongest February sales in 22 years despite demand for new electric vehicles [EVs] stalling.
Some 90,100 new cars were registered last month, the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders [SMMT] said.
That was an increase of 7.2% from 84,054 during the same month last year, and represented the highest February volume since 2004.
February registrations are often volatile as it is typically a lower volume month because many buyers prefer to wait for the March numberplate change.
Demand was largely driven by recovering private retail registrations, which were up 18% year-on-year.
Uptake for fleets owned or leased by businesses or other organisations accounted for nearly three out of five sales, and increased by 1.8%.
The market share of pure battery electric new cars was down to 24.2% from 25.3% a year ago, which is the second consecutive month of decline.
The SMMT said this partly reflects the strong start to 2025, when some electric vehicle buyers brought forward sales to avoid the introduction of new tax rates.
By Neil Lancefield, Press Association Transport Correspondent
Press Association: News
source: PA
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