Sales of new cars in the UK declined by 1.3% in August, industry figures show today.
Some 84,575 new cars were registered in the UK last month, compared with 85,657 during August 2023, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.
Registrations of pure battery electric new cars rose 10.8% year-on-year, which the SMMT attributed to "heavy discounting by manufacturers over the summer and a raft of new models attracting buyers".
August is traditionally one of the quietest months of the year for the new car market ahead of the introduction of new number plates in September.
The overall new car market grew by 5.1% during the first eight months of the year compared with the same period in 2023.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "August's EV growth is welcome, but it's always a very low volume month and so subject to distortions ahead of September's number plate change".
"The introduction of the new 74 plate, together with a raft of compelling offers and discounts from manufacturers, plus growing model choice, will help increase purchase consideration and be a true barometer for market demand," he said.
"Encouraging a mass market shift to EVs remains a challenge, however, and urgent action must be taken to help buyers overcome affordability issues and concerns about charge point provision," he added.
