The United Kingdom’s auto industry is celebrating a significant milestone as new car sales in April experienced a remarkable 10% increase, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This surge has led the industry body to revise their 2023 forecast upwards, pointing to a strong recovery for the automotive sector.
The SMMT report highlights that a total of 167,166 new cars were registered in April, showing a marked improvement in consumer demand. Factors contributing to the boost in sales include the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, a steady economy, and an increased appetite for electric vehicles.
In response to the positive sales figures, the SMMT raised its full-year forecast for new car sales in 2023 to 2.02 million units, up from the previous estimate of 1.95 million units. This optimistic outlook bodes well for the UK auto industry, which had been severely impacted by the pandemic and Brexit-related challenges.
The data also underscores a growing trend of consumers shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs), with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) making up 15.2% of new car sales in April. This trend aligns with the UK government’s ambitious plan to phase out sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, in an effort to reduce emissions and fight climate change.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, expressed his enthusiasm for the promising results, stating, “The uptick in April’s new car sales is a welcome sign of a robust recovery for the UK auto industry. The increased appetite for electric vehicles also demonstrates that consumers are embracing the transition to a more sustainable future.”
The UK auto industry’s recovery and the growing demand for EVs will likely bolster job creation and investment in the sector, paving the way for a brighter future for both manufacturers and consumers.
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