Car registrations rise 13.7% in August as plug-in hybrid demand increases

New car registrations grew by 13.7 per cent in August as demand for electrified vehicles increases in what is traditionally a quieter month for the industry.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that a total of 94,236 vehicles were sold during the month, making it the ninth consecutive month of growth.

August is usually a quieter month as consumers await the arrival of a new registration plate in September and defer their purchases.

All powertrains apart from petrol saw growth, too, with plug-in hybrids seeing the largest amount of growth through a rise of 39.8 per cent to account for 14.5 per cent of registrations. Registration of electric vehicles, meanwhile, rose by 27.7 per cent to take 29.8 per cent of the market. Petrol, in contrast, dropped by 3.5 per cent but still occupied 45.1 per cent of the market.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “August was a bright spot for the new car market and another strong month for electric car uptake, showing that motorists are responding to the huge choice and compelling offers available. But August is a low-volume month, so September will be the acid test.

“The industry is doing everything it can to help drivers switch, but mandate targets must be grounded in the reality of demand. Government’s review is the right move so we can ensure the transition is kept on track, consumer choice protected and the jobs and investment necessary to deliver net zero and economic growth are safeguarded.”