January marked a somewhat lacklustre start to 2025 for the new car market, as registrations fell for the fourth consecutive month. A look under the bonnet however does offer some optimism for the industry, with visits to our new car platform accelerating over 20% following the festive slowdown as buyers begin searching for their next new car in earnest ahead of the calendar’s busiest car buying period.

Key spokesperson

Ian Plummer

Commercial Director

CONNECT

"We can also see the big uplift in electric car enquiries made on our platform late last year already play through into the market. The significant surge in EV sales last month will come as some relief to manufacturers facing another steep increase in ZEV mandate targets this year. If it’s to meet the required 28% of all new car sales, there’ll be no let-up in pressure to maintain electric vehicle demand, likely resulting in very competitive offers to entice buyers over the coming months."

"Coupled with uncertainties surrounding the economy, compounded by concerning rhetoric from the US, 2025 will offer its fair share of challenges, particularly established brands which face fierce competition from a growing array of new Chinese entrants. For consumers however, the combination of major offers and new players vying for their attention could make 2025 a very attractive time to buy a new electric."