LSE: 521.00 GBP 9.20 (1.80%)
Menu
Close
05 March 26 Press releases

Commentary | New Car Registrations February 2026

February delivered another solid month for the new car market, reflecting the underlying strength of buying demand we’ve continued to see so far in 2026. While the situation in the Middle East adds a potential layer of uncertainty for businesses and consumers amid wider economic disruption, the new car market has remained resilient so far. Any sustained shock to oil prices is likely to increase interest in electric vehicles when it feeds into petrol prices, as we saw in 2022.

Key spokesperson

Ian Plummer

Chief Customer Officer

CONNECT

"Overall, our own data points to confidence among car buyers. Visits to our new‑car platform rose 28% month on month in February, and the biggest sales month of the year is in full swing as new plates hit the forecourt. Current data and showroom reports point to a very busy end to the first quarter."

Share:
Up next
Commentary | New Car Registrations July 2026
Read More
Chinese challengers gain ground in Autotrader's July new car rankings ahead of September plate change
Read More
Autotrader launches summer app update to bring more of the car-buying journey into one app
Read More

Stay up to date

Follow us on our social channels to keep up with the latest news, insights and company developments.

 

If you would like to be added to our News & views mailing list, or have any media-related enquiries, please contact our press team:

Autotrader UK

Autotrader Insight

Autotrader Life

Other Group sites

Looking to join the team?

Check out careers

Looking to make a sale?

Sell your vehicle

Looking to make a purchase?

Buy a vehicle

Keep in touch

Sign up to our email alerts service:

RNS alerts

Join our news & views mailing list
or submit media-related enquiries:

Contact our press team
  • ©2026 Autotrader Group plc. Registered in England with company number: 09439967.