New car registrations grew by 24 per cent in April despite being the month being ‘traditionally low volume’, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
In total, 149,247 vehicles were registered during the month, representing the best April since 2019.
Growth was seen in ‘all sectors’, according to the SMMT, as private registrations grew by 20.2 per cent and those for fleet increased by 26.8 per cent.
New car market rises 24.0% in April as market recovers from last year’s negative tax change impact.https://t.co/rPMXnp7ehM pic.twitter.com/hYCV3p1u6p
— SMMT (@SMMT) May 5, 2026
Uptake for petrol cars was up by 8.2 per cent, too, as diesel demand continued to fall, dropping by one per cent in the month. However, electrified cars – including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric – accounted for more than half of the market during the year. Registrations of plug-in hybrids rose by 46.4 per cent as those for hybrids increased by 18.8 per cent.
It was a big month for electric cars, too, as the two millionth battery electric car was registered during April. Electric vehicle update reached a 26.2 per cent share of registrations during the month, with 39,084 examples shifted. In contrast, just 6,314 diesel cars were registered during April.
New car market rises 24.0% in April as market recovers from last year’s negative tax change impact.
— SMMT (@SMMT) May 5, 2026
The increase reflects a rebound from an unusually weak April last year, when buyers pulled purchases forward to March to beat incoming vehicle tax increases, including the… pic.twitter.com/1QdJGnDTMs
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “April’s rebound is welcome, but underlines just how significantly fiscal changes can influence the market. Two million electric car registrations is a considerable milestone to celebrate, although natural demand is still well below the level demanded by the mandate.
“The mounting cost of compliance threatens to limit consumer choice, overall decarbonisation and the sector’s competitiveness so the need for a rapid review of the transition to align policy with market realities is unchanged, else Britain’s attractiveness as a vehicle market and manufacturing hub will be put at risk.”
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