SMMT new car registrations | January 2020
Auto Trader's Commercial Director, Ian Plummer, provides his view on the latest new car registrations from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
“It’s reassuring to see that registrations of EVs have increased in January, but we do need this to continue at pace if we’re to meet the government’s new ambitious target of banning petrol and diesel new car sales by 2035.
“Yesterday’s announcement reaffirms consumers’ interest in EVs, as consumers searching for EVs increased by over 165% on Auto Trader. Advert views of EV cars on the UK’s largest automotive marketplace, increased by a massive 143%, when compared with the previous day. However, the pressure is on to ensure the supply of EVs is there, and that those cars are available at an affordable price. Government grants and incentives remain crucial if we are to see EV sales increase at any kind of meaningful rate.”
“It’s also encouraging that sales of hybrid vehicles have increased. Advert views for alternatively fuelled vehicles more widely also increased yesterday by more than 42%, compared with Monday. They continue to provide a good entry point for those consumers wanting to try out new alternatively fuelled technologies, but who feel that a pure EV isn’t quite right for them just now.”
