Auto Trader's Commercial Director, Ian Plummer, shares his view on the latest new car registrations

We’re approaching a turning point in the car market. For the past 18 months, manufacturers have been struggling to get vital components, such as semiconductors due to Covid and then exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. But the signs are that these supply pressures are now beginning to ease, with more availability of essential parts which will help a number of manufacturers fulfil some of their order backlog.

Key spokesperson

Ian Plummer

Commercial Director

CONNECT

“It’s positive to see some year-on-year sales growth and we are on the cusp of a period where trading is showing early signs of returning to pre-pandemic conditions. But considering September is a plate change month, typically one of the busiest periods on the calendar, sales are still around a third below pre-pandemic levels in 2019, as production issues continue to stifle sales.

"It’s worth noting the positive performance in the fleet channels, which have largely been overlooked recently in favour for more profitable retail sales. Although we’re still a long way off rental companies being able to renew all of their fleets, it does mean that those motorists on leasing contracts will begin to see better signs of supply to renew their cars."