The UK new car market recorded its fifth consecutive month of growth in December, with an 18.3% increase year on year to reach 128,462 new registrations, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Constrained supply saw manufacturers prioritise deliveries of the latest zero emission-capable models. December saw battery electric vehicles (BEVs) claim their largest ever monthly market share, of 32.9%, while for the whole of 2022 they comprised 16.6% of registrations, surpassing diesel for the first time to become the second most popular powertrain after petrol.
While private buyers accounted for more than half of all registrations, fleets and business buyers were responsible for the lion’s share of battery electric vehicles, accounting for two thirds (66.7%) of all BEV registrations and 74.7% of the volume gain in 2022.
Meanwhile, new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations reached 282,139 units in 2022, a decline of -20.6% on the previous year. Despite strong order books throughout 2022, performance continued to be held back by persistent supply chain issues.
Despite the supply challenges, demand for battery electric vans (BEVs) grew, with deliveries up 31.2% to 16,744 units. With the second largest van market of all European nations, the UK should be at the forefront of LCV decarbonisation, with BEV van deliveries expected to rise by 60.7% in 2023.
Registrations of the most popular vans weighing greater than 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes fell by -14.4% in 2022, while vans weighing greater than 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes fell by -31.0%. Meanwhile, deliveries of pickups fell by -30.4% and 4x4s by -13.6%, with these two segments remaining a fraction of the market.
