January new car sales at lowest level since 1970

January new-car revenue fell to their lowest level due to the fact 1970, with 39.five for each cent much less new autos registered than in the exact same month in 2020.

With lockdowns throughout all 4 nations of the Uk retaining dealership doors firmly shut in the course of the month, only 90,249 new autos were being registered – fifty nine,030 much less than in January very last 12 months.

Desire was down 38.five for each cent with non-public purchasers and 39.7 for each cent with fleet purchasers, with petrol and diesel registrations slipping 62.one for each cent (forty four,903 revenue), and fifty.six for each cent (11,083 revenue) respectively. 

EV registrations grew 54.4 for each cent (six,260 revenue), even though, taking a six.4 for each cent share of the current market, though plug-in hybrid revenue grew 28 for each cent (six,124 revenue) for a six.8 for each cent current market share. That indicates plug-in autos of just one type or a different accounted for thirteen.7 for each cent of all new registrations very last month, outperforming diesel’s twelve.3 for each cent current market share. 

The Culture of Motor Producers and Traders (SMMT), which unveiled the figures, has pointed out that lockdown restrictions are not envisioned to commence getting lifted right until March, which sees a new quantity plate start and is the most significant month of the 12 months for the sector, with just one in five new car registrations taking spot.

Concerned about the decline in registrations owning a knock-on outcome on producing – which fell to its lowest once-a-year level due to the fact 1984 very last 12 months – the SMMT is calling for dealerships to be reopened “as before long as it is harmless to do so”.

It was previously envisioned that extra than two million new autos would be registered in 2021, but this forecast has now been decreased to below one.nine million. This would, nevertheless, however be fifteen.7 for each cent extra than the “lost year” that was 2020.

Mike Hawes, main govt of the SMMT, stated: “Following a £20.4 billion decline of earnings very last 12 months, the car sector faces a tough commence to 2021. The important lockdown will obstacle modern society, the economic system and our industry’s skill to go immediately to our bold environmental aims.

“Lifting the shutters will protected positions, encourage the crucial demand that supports our producing, and will permit us to forge in advance on the ‘Road to Zero’. Every working day that showrooms can securely open will make a difference, primarily with the vital month of March looming.”

Obtain out the greatest autos coming out in 2021 listed here…