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UK Sees a 5% Drop in New Car Registrations in July Amid Shift Towards Electric Vehicles

July's Automotive Landscape in the UK

The United Kingdom witnessed a 5% decline in new car registrations in July, with figures dropping to 140,154 compared to the same period in 2024, as reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Market Share Shifts

Traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, while still leading with a 47.3% market share, experienced a significant 14.7% year-on-year decrease. In contrast, the demand for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) surged by 33% and 9.1%, respectively.

Future Outlook

The SMMT anticipates a boost in BEV sales following the implementation of the British government's new electric car grant. "Identifying eligible models for the new EV grant, combined with attractive manufacturer discounts on a wide range of innovative vehicles, should strongly encourage consumers to make the switch now," stated SMMT CEO Mike Hawes.