UK car sales drop to 21-year low for September
New UK car sales fell in September to the lowest volume for that month in 21 years, industry figures showed.
The number of cars registered fell 4.4% to 328,041 in the worst September since the dual numberplate system was introduced in 1999, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said. The result was 15.8% lower than the 10-year average for September, which is usually a busy month when registration plates change.
Private registrations fell 1.1% and the number of cars joining larger business fleets dropped by 10,000 or 5.8% as the sector struggled to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown, which closed factories and showrooms.
SMMT said tough conditions lie ahead for the industry amid Brexit uncertainty and threats to consumer and business confidence as the government withdraws its furlough job-support programme. The trade body said it expected a 31% decline in 2020 representing £21.2bn of lost sales.
Mike Hawes, SMMT's chief executive, said: "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.”
Battery electric and plug-in hybrid car demand rose to account for more than one in 10 registrations as companies released new models to attract consumers.