New car registrations declined by more than a fifth in May, according to fresh industry data on Monday, making for the second-weakest May in three decades, as shortages of components continued to impact availability.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), new car registrations fell 20.6% in the month to 124,394 vehicles.
The decline, compared with the first full month of reopened showrooms in May last year, demonstrated the impact of continued global supply chain disruptions, the industry group said, with the market 32.3% below the 2019 pre-pandemic level despite “strong” order books.
Battery electric vehicles were a particular bright spot, however, rising 17.7% to represent 12.4% of the month’s registrations.
Plug-in hybrids declined 25.5%, while hybrids were up 12%, meaning deliveries of electrified vehicles accounted for three in 10 new cars.
“In yet another challenging month for the new car market, the industry continues to battle ongoing global parts shortages, with growing battery electric vehicle uptake one of the few bright spots,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
“To continue this momentum and drive a robust mass market for these vehicles, we need to ensure every buyer has the confidence to go electric.
“This requires an acceleration in the rollout of accessible charging infrastructure to match the increasing number of plug-in vehicles, as well as incentives for the purchase of new, cleaner and greener cars.”
