New Car Market Remains Up Despite July Blip
The new car market in the UK remains ahead of 2024 figures despite a blip in July, where new car registrations dropped by 5% year-on-year.
Both private and fleet registrations were down on the same month last year although registrations in the business sector rose noticeably by 10%.
It means that over the period from January through to the end of July, new car registrations are now 2.4% up on 2024, driven largely by an increased number of new BEV and PHEV vehicles on the roads.
Although the number of 100 per cent electric cars increased in July, the increase year-on-year was much lower than in June thanks partly to the new government Electric Car Grant as people wait to discover which models will be eligible for savings of up to £3,750.
“July’s dip shows yet again the new car market’s sensitivity to external factors, and the pressing need for consumer certainty,” Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said.
“Confirming which models qualify for the new EV grant, alongside compelling manufacturer discounts on a huge choice of exciting new vehicles, should send a strong signal to buyers that now is the time to switch.
“That would mean increased demand for the rest of this year and into next, which is good news for the industry, car buyers and our environmental ambitions."
| TOP MODELS | |||||
| July 2025 | Year To Date | ||||
| 1 | Kia Sportage | 4,482 | 1 | Ford Puma | 30,764 |
| 2 | Ford Puma | 4,409 | 2 | Kia Sportage | 27,494 |
| 3 | Nissan Juke | 3,077 | 3 | Nissan Qashqai | 24,529 |
| 4 | MINI Cooper | 2,629 | 4 | Vauxhall Corsa | 22,196 |
| 5 | Volkswagen Tiguan | 2,527 | 5 | Nissan Juke | 21,604 |
| 6 | Nissan Qashqai | 2,444 | 6 | Volkswagen Golf | 18,974 |
| 7 | Peugeot 2008 | 2,434 | 7 | MG HS | 17,793 |
| 8 | Volkswagen T-Roc | 2,258 | 8 | Volkswagen Tiguan | 17,750 |
| 9 | Volkswagen Golf | 2,090 | 9 | Peugeot 2008 | 17,605 |
| 10 | Audi A3 | 2,080 | 10 | Hyundai Tucson | 17,249 |