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lectric automobile sales surged by 88% in July, with drivers registering a brand new one each minute because the growth of ULEZ approaches.
In total , 23,010 battery electrical autos have been registered, in line with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This, it stated, represented a brand new registration each 60 seconds based mostly on DVLA working hours.
“While the growth in electric vehicles hitting UK roads is significant, it must move even faster if it is to outpace the rest of the market and enable the UK to meet ambitious but necessary environmental targets,” the SMMT stated. “To get even more consumers to make the switch, every means of support must be provided.”
The EV surge helped general car registrations leap by 28.3% to 143,921 in July. After the sector was hit by provide chain points, automobile gross sales have now risen year-on-year for 12 consecutive months.
Lisa Watson, director of gross sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, stated: “Despite rising interest rates, high inflation and a bleak economic outlook, the new car market has continued to rally against these challenges.
“A further rise in July, making it a year of consecutive growth, offers a more positive outlook for the second half of 2023.
“With plans for London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone set to press ahead, and with other cities in the UK likely to introduce similar schemes, it will be interesting to see if this has an effect on new registrations.
“Although our research found that two in three dealers said customers are being more cautious about purchasing vehicles, so the introduction of new schemes may make a new purchase a necessity.”
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised automobile and industrial car retailers within the UK, stated the sector hadn’t proven many indicators of a slowdown pushed by the price of residing or rates of interest.
“New car sales have now seen 12 consecutive months of recovery since the pandemic related supply chain shortages. NFDA conducted a flash poll of its members and found that retailers have seen little change in the business environment, with a slight decrease in customer footfall in July,” she stated. “This is likely driven by the unseasonal weather, but continued engagement online demonstrates the importance of omni-channel retailing and a functional digital service to start the customer journey,”
