Another record month for AFVs as overall demand slumps

The SMMT's monthly report shows the new record market share for alternatively fuelled vehicles at 5.5% as demand up almost 65 per cent with 8,871 units registered.

This year, nearly nearly 70,000 new AFVs have joined UK roads this year. Meanwhile, registrations for new petrol and diesel cars declined by -3.0% and -20.1% respectively.

The UK new car market declined -9.3% in July, the fourth consecutive monthly fall amidst growing uncertainty over Brexit. 161,997 new cars were registered in the month.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, "The fall in consumer and business confidence is having a knock on effect on demand in the new car market and government must act quickly to provide concrete plans regarding Brexit. While it’s encouraging to see record achievements for alternatively fuelled vehicles, consumers considering other fuel types will have undoubtedly been affected by the uncertainty surrounding the government’s clean air plans.

"It is important to remember that there are no plans to charge drivers using the latest Euro 6 models and no proposed bans for conventional petrol and diesel vehicles for some 23 years. The lower demand in recent months will inevitably mean competition from manufacturers will intensify and it will be a good opportunity for consumers to get a great deal on their next car, with many exciting new models launched in the coming months."