The UK new car market recorded a 1.6 percent decline in November, new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show.
The results, thought to be partly due to caution amongst potential buyers in the run-up to the Autumn Budget, are a setback following two months of growth.
A total of 151,154 new vehicles were registered last month, down 2,456 units compared with November 2024. The decline was driven predominantly by private buyers, whose demand fell by 5.5 percent year-on-year.
In contrast, fleet registrations edged up slightly by 0.2 percent, demonstrating robust commercial sector interest despite broader market caution.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continued to grow, with registrations rising 3.6 percent to 39,965 units. However, this represented the slowest monthly increase in BEV uptake in almost two years, highlighting slightly weaker momentum in the electric segment even as BEVs accounted for 26.4 percent of November’s total.
Plug-in hybrids and full hybrid electric vehicles also contributed to electrified uptake, with plug-in hybrids up 14.8 percent and HEVs up 1.3 percent.
While electrified vehicles saw a record annual market share of 51.4 percent, the SMMT showed that year-to-date BEV market share still falls short of the Government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate target for 2025.
Calls for the Government to reconsider planned Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (EV tax) have increased, with some arguing that additional charges could undermine consumer confidence as the UK transitions to zero-emission vehicles.
With this in mind, Motor Assist supports both internal combustion engine (ICE) and EV drivers with comprehensive incident management solutions, including like-for-like fully electric replacement cars. Its network of specialist bodyshops is equipped to handle all powertrain types, with 99% of sites now able to handle EVs as well as ICE cars.
Try Out The Motor Assist Solution Finder.
The mix of EVs and ICE vehicles on UK roads is changing. That’s why our incident management solutions are designed to be comprehensive and flexible, covering both electric and traditional powertrains using a joined‑up approach.
Our Solution Finder helps us get to know your business and exactly what you want from your incident management solution.
Then, we can build a package just for you. No secret add-ons. No paying for things you don’t need. Incident management. Just better.
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You have the flexibility to design your own agile solution that corresponds with your unique business needs. If you don’t need a service, we don’t believe you should pay for it.
Want to chat to a member of the Motor Assist about your options? Reach out below:
Based on what you’ve told us, your ideal solution looks like:
First Notification of Loss (FNOL) Processing
Benefit from a 24/7/365 FNOL service and contact centre that’s fast, assured and cost effective.
Repair network
Gain access to an experienced and high-quality repair network that includes over 200 core Tier 1 fixed site repairers across the UK as well as fast-track pods at one-day repair sites.
Repair management
Our repair management network minimises downtime for your business while providing comprehensive cost and performance data for your use.
Mobility provision
Experience benefits such as 95% on-time vehicle delivery and collection and EV for EV guarantee with our robust mobility solution.
Third-party capture
At Motor Assist™, we have a dedicated third-party intervention team backed by years of professional claims experience. Trust the experts to provide a service that protects both costs and brand reputation.
Uninsured Loss Recovery (ULR)
Focus on the things that matter while Motor Assist™ proactively pursues payments on your behalf, ensuring the best possible service for repair and loss recovery.}
