BRITAIN — U.K. car registrations increased by 7 percent to 160,662 in May, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported. Battery electric vehicle sales accounted for more than 27 percent of the U.K. car market during that month but fell below the 33 percent regulatory requirement. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is lobbying the U.K. government to modify zero emission vehicle sales targets.
Electric vehicle sales in the U.K. fell below the 33 percent headline proportion required by regulations. Sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles reduce the zero emission vehicle sales targets that manufacturers must meet. New AutoMotive, a policy research organization tracking the transition to electric vehicles, estimates the effective zero emission vehicle sales target is approximately 24.6 percent due to regulatory flexibilities. Ben Nelmes, chief executive of New AutoMotive, said: "There is real consumer and private buyer momentum behind electric vehicles." He added: "Manufacturers have invested billions to deliver the cars drivers want, and drivers are buying them."
Private buyers accounted for the largest May sales increase in the U.K. since 2019. The U.K. government introduced financial grants for electric cars in July of the previous year. Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, said: "Consumers were increasingly considering lower-emission motoring options due to the continued high price of fuel." Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: "Britain's car buyers are responding to a market offering more choice than ever, from both new and familiar brands, resulting in a robust May." Hawes also recommended reviewing the zero emission vehicle sales targets to establish a pathway to net zero emissions.
Tesla's U.K. vehicle sales increased by 45 percent in May; its year-to-date sales increased by 3 percent. MG's U.K. car sales increased by 13 percent to nearly 7,500 in May.
Chery sold 8,200 vehicles in the U.K. in May across its Chery, Jaecoo, and Omoda brands. Its sales volume increased fourfold over the first five months of the year. BYD sold 5,200 vehicles in the U.K. in May, and its sales volume doubled over the first five months of the year. Leapmotor sold 900 vehicles and Geely sold 1,100 vehicles in the U.K. in May. Leapmotor and Geely reported minimal vehicle sales in the U.K. during the comparable month of the prior year. The U.K. has not imposed punitive tariffs on vehicle imports.