According to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the UK new car market declined by -4.1% in April. The month saw 161,064 units registered, the second lowest April volume since 2012 but following a double-digit increase the previous year.1

Registrations by private motorists fell last month, down -10.3%, after a rise of more than 26% in April 2018.2 Fleet demand, meanwhile, remained stable, growing 2.9%, with these businesses registering 2,498 more cars than in April 2018.

Declines were recorded across most vehicle segments, with registrations of popular supermini and small family cars falling most significantly, down -14.1% and -10.6%. Demand for lower volume luxury saloons and sports cars rose while the dual purpose segment also grew, by +18.4% to 40,580 units. Diesel registrations fell again, but the pace of decline slowed significantly, down -9.4%. Petrol demand also dropped, by -3.0%. Overall, alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) registrations grew by 12.7%, with 10,254 leaving showrooms. Petrol electric hybrids remained the most popular choice, up 31.1% to 6,810 units. Battery electric cars also recorded a strong uplift, from 929 to 1,517 units, which still only represents 0.9% of the market. Meanwhile, zero emission-capable plug-in hybrids experienced a significant decline, down -34.4% in April and -20.4% year-to-date – evidence of the consequences of prematurely removing upfront purchase incentives before the market is ready.