Sales of EV and hybrids rise in November as diesel continues to fall

The UK new car market declined by -3.0 per cent in November with some 158,639 units registered, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Continuing recent trends, demand for petrol and alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) rose 3.5 per cent and 24.6 per cent respectively, but failed to offset a -16.7 per cent fall for diesel cars.

While fleet and private registrations fell in turn by -0.7% and -6.4%, business sales rose 8.6%, though the latter makes up only 3.1% of the market.

Stalling consumer confidence, supply delays due to implementation of the new WLTP emissions test and model replacement all combined to affect overall sales, the SMMT has said.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "Model and regulatory changes combined with falling consumer confidence conspired to affect supply and demand in November. The good news is that, as supply constraints ease, and new exciting models come on sale in the months ahead, buyers can look forward to a wide choice of cutting-edge petrol, diesel and electrified cars. It’s now critical that a Brexit deal is secured to boost consumer confidence and provide a stimulus to the new car market as we enter the New Year."