UK new car sales fall by 40%

The latest new car registration figures from SMMT reveal the worst start to a year for the industry since 1970. In the first January of the 70's, motorists in the UK bought a mere 84,807 cars. In 2021 the figure was 90,249 - a 40 percent fall compared to 2019. As this infographic shows, the recent high of 174,564 in 2017 is long forgotten and, although the trend has been downwards since, the effect of the Covid crisis is patently clear to see.

Commenting on the figures Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "Following a £20.4 billion loss of revenue last year, the auto industry faces a difficult start to 2021. The necessary lockdown will challenge society, the economy and our industry’s ability to move quickly towards our ambitious environmental goals. Lifting the shutters will secure jobs, stimulate the essential demand that supports our manufacturing, and will enable us to forge ahead on the Road to Zero. Every day that showrooms can safely open will matter, especially with the critical month of March looming."