UK new car registrations fell by 2.0% in August, with just 82,908 units hitting the road during what is typically the quietest month of the year.
August generally accounts for less than 5% of annual deliveries as consumers and fleets wait for the September number plate change, but this year’s figures reveal important trends for independent garages.
Fleet registrations continued to dominate the market, representing nearly six in ten new vehicles despite a 4.6% drop in volumes.
Private sales edged up marginally by 0.7%, while business registrations rose by 41.6%, though this equated to fewer than 500 additional units.
The real headline was electric. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) surged 14.9% to secure a 26.5% market share, the highest this year and the fourth strongest month on record.
August has historically amplified EV shares due to lower overall registrations and a fleet-heavy market, and this year was no exception.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) grew even faster, up 69.4% to 11.8% of the market, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) fell by 13.9%, accounting for 11.4% of new registrations.
Across the first eight months of the year, the new car market stands at 1.265 million units, the highest in five years but still 16.7% below pre-pandemic levels.
BEVs account for 21.9% of registrations, leaving them short of the government’s 28% Zero Emission Vehicle mandate for 2025.
For independent garages, the implications are clear. Electrification is accelerating, and workshops can expect more plug-in models to come through their doors for servicing, MOTs, and repairs. This trend reinforces the importance of training, investment in specialist tools and equipment, and the chance to educate customers on EV maintenance and servicing.
Looking ahead, September will be pivotal. Traditionally the second-busiest month of the year, it typically accounts for around one in seven annual registrations.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, commented: “August was the best month yet this year for EV market share and, while it is often volatile due to low overall volumes, the overall trend is positive.
“September will be critical, with the new number plate factor typically driving around one in seven new car registrations for the year.
“There is now a vast choice of electric models across all segments and many consumers will also, for the first time in three years, benefit from a grant to help them switch to electric.”
With more EV models qualifying for the Electric Car Grant and government targets driving manufacturer investment, independent garages that adapt now can future-proof their businesses and position themselves as trusted partners for the growing number of electric vehicle owners.
