In welcome news for suppliers to the automotive sector, UK new car registrations rose in August, with the electric sector also growing.
Year-on-year demand for new cars rose 23.1% in August, according to the latest statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 94,094 new cars were registered in the month as the market responded to regulatory changes.
Hybrid, plug-in and pure electric cars grew to a record of one in 12 people choosing one. Demand surged 88.7% and the sector accounted for 8% of the market, its highest ever level, as manufacturers invested to help deliver ultra-low and zero emission models to the market.
As noted by EFDA President Dr Volker Lederer and Bulten respectively, electric and hybrid cars require more fasteners than standard combustion engine-powered vehicles.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “It’s great to see such strong growth, particularly in the important electric vehicle market. However, given August is always a small month in new car registrations ahead of the important plate-change month of September, it would be wrong to view the market as booming. Indeed, this past month has seen some significant variances as regulatory changes have disrupted some supplies.
"In the long term, however, the new emissions certification test will give consumers renewed confidence in the performance of all vehicles, helping them choose the latest, cleanest technology that best suits their driving needs, whether that be petrol, diesel, hybrid or plug-in.”
