New car registrations drop -4.4 per cent in weakest ever ‘new plate’ September

The UK new car market declined -4.4 per cent in September, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The sector recorded 328,041 new registrations in the month – the weakest September since the introduction of the dual number plate system in 1999 and some -15.8 per cent lower than the 10-year average of around 390,000 units for the month.

The poor monthly performance follows very low volumes recorded in September 2018 and 2019, when regulatory changes surrounding the new WLTP emissions testing regime delayed vehicle certification and caused supply problems across Europe. Some brands hit by these factors previously saw substantial growth in September 2020, but total registrations still fell well short of previous years and follow an erratic period of market performance since emerging from lockdown.

Private registrations fell by -1.1 per cent over the month. Demand from business was also muted, with around 10,000 fewer cars joining larger fleets, representing a -5.8 per cent decline.

More encouragingly, battery electric and plug-in hybrid car uptake grew substantially to account for more than one in 10 registrations as new models continue to increase consumer choice. Demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) increased by 184.3 per cent compared with September last year, with the month accounting for a third of all 2020’s BEV registrations. Even with this growth, however, meeting accelerated ambitions for uptake of these vehicles will require government to get behind a truly world-class package of incentives – alongside binding targets on infrastructure to reassure consumers that recharging will be as easy as re-filling.

The relaxation of COVID lockdown restrictions from June saw consumers return to showrooms and factories restart production lines, after one of the bleakest periods in the sector’s history. The market still faces continued pressure, however, with myriad challenges over the next quarter. Brexit uncertainty and the threat of tariffs still concerns the industry, while the shift towards zero emission-capable vehicles is demanding huge investment from the sector, and stalling fleet renewal across all technologies is hampering efforts to meet climate change and air quality targets now.

Additionally, consumer and business confidence is threatened by the forthcoming end of the Government’s furlough scheme, an expected rise in unemployment and continuing restrictions on society as a result of the pandemic. With little realistic prospect of recovering the 615,000 registrations lost so far in 2020, the sector now expects an overall -30.6 per cent market decline by the end of the year, equivalent to some £21.2 billion in lost sales.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: ”During a torrid year, the automotive industry has demonstrated incredible resilience, but this is not

a recovery. Despite the boost of a new registration plate, new model introductions and attractive offers, this is still the poorest September since the two-plate system was introduced in 1999. Unless the pandemic is controlled and economy-wide consumer and business confidence rebuilt, the short-term future looks very challenging indeed.”

Commenting on the figures, Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, said: “Despite a decline in new car sales, franchised dealers saw strong consumer demand in September, with nearly all dealerships open and good deals available on new plate vehicles.”

Robinson continued: “Although parts of the UK are facing restrictions, franchised dealers continue to operate as normal taking all the necessary precautions to serve their customers safely.

“Dealers have been experiencing high levels of enquiries, but consumer interest was partially offset by supply constraints that have affected a number of brands over the past weeks. Positively, battery electric and plug-in electric vehicles saw strong growth.

“With the UK’s exit from the EU approaching, we urge the Government to reach a deal which protects the supply of vehicles and parts to the UK”.