The new March 19-plate registration proved to be fruitful for petrol and alternatively-fuelled vehicles (AFVs), with the two sectors rising by 5.1 and 7.6 per cent respectively, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Despite Brexit pressures, over 450,000 brand new cars were registered in March – although the market was down slightly compared to 2018 by 3.4 per cent.
Despite Brexit pressures, over 450,000 brand new cars were registered in March – although the market was down slightly compared to 2018 by 3.4 per cent.
Over 25,000 AFVs were put onto the UK’s roads last month, which is the biggest March volume on record, and shows the rise of electrified models. With over 40 plug-in models already on sale, and 20 more expected to enter showrooms in 2019, this segment is only going to grow.
Superminis were also a winning sector, and as Britain’s most popular vehicle type, they increased in demand by 4.3 per cent. In total, they accounted for a third of all new cars registered in the month.
This is evidenced by five of the top 10 best-selling cars in March 2019 being superminis, with the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa being the two most popular cars – with 14,676 and 13,244 of the models being registered respectively.
The SMMT has also said that cutting-edge safety technology that helps to prevent accidents is now fitted to nearly eight in 10 new models on the road, with automatic emergency braking fitted on seven in 10 cars, and over half of models coming with this feature as standard.
Despite the positive news, there is some downsides – particularly with diesel vehicles, as sales of these vehicles fell by 20.3 per cent.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: “While manufacturers continue to invest in exciting models and cutting-edge tech, for the UK to reap the full benefits of these advances, we need a strong market that encourages the adoption of new technology.
“That means supportive policies, not least on vehicle taxation and incentives, to give buyers the confidence to invest in the new car that best meets their driving needs.”
