UK car sales rose by 1.2 per cent in July compared to the same month in 2017 according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Released today, the statistics shows that the 163,898 cars were sold last month – up from 161,997 units last year – showing that the car market is stabilising after a turbulent start to 2018.
Alternatively-fuelled vehicle sales were up by 21 per cent to 10,734 – meaning plug-in and hybrid vehicles now hold a 5.7 per cent stake in the market from the start of 2018.
Plug-in hybrid sales were up by 33.5 per cent, hybrids saw a rise of 17.5 per cent, while battery electric models sales also rose but by just 2.4 per cent.
But unfortunately for diesel models, the trends of this year have continued as sales continue to fall. Although the fuel type still holds a 32.5 per cent market share, 202,231 less diesel cars have been sold this year compared to this point in 2017.
Petrol car sales were also up again – by 20.1 per cent in July alone – as customers replace their diesel vehicles with electrified and petrol options.
As usual, the Ford Fiesta tops the sales sheets, with 6,222 units sold in July – with Volkswagen’s Golf and Polo second and third respectively.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The feel-good factor from a sun and sport-packed July, combined with some fantastic deals on a raft of exciting new models, clearly helped keep showrooms relatively busy last month.
“It’s great to see alternatively-fuelled vehicles benefiting from this growth, and government’s acknowledgement of the vital role new-tech diesel will play in its Road to Zero strategy should help more even more motorists benefit from the latest, safest and low emission technology over the coming months.”
