New Car Sales Drop In April

06/05/2025 17:03 Share

New Car Sales Drop In April

The number of new cars sold in the UK dropped in April, although there was a continued rise in the number of new electric vehicles registered.

The total number of new cars registered fell by 10.4% in what is traditionally a slower month for the market after the new plate boost in March, with changes to the rules around car tax having also seen more cars registered in March prior to the introduction of new regulations.

Whilst the numbers for the month were down, the figures for the year to date remain ahead of the same time frame in 2024, with 3.1% more cars having been registered by the end of April compared to twelve months ago.

The number of new petrol and diesel cars was down by more than 20% over the month, but both battery electric and plug-in hybrid registrations increased.

Full electric cars now account for more than 20% of the market share this year, although that is still down on the number required under current government regulations.

“April’s performance is disappointing but expected after March’s surge,” Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said. “Another month of growth for electric vehicle registrations is good news, however, even if demand remains well below ambition.

“Recent government adjustments to flexibilities and compliance within the ZEV Mandate are welcome and an important first step in relieving some of the pressure on the market and manufacturers. However, EV uptake is still being heavily and unsustainably subsidised by the industry which is why a compelling package of measures from government is essential if consumers are going to make the switch.”

Sales figures showed that the Ford Puma remains the best-selling car in the UK, although it was outsold in April by the Kia Sportage which retains its position of second ahead of the Nissan Qashqai.