UK new car sales rose in April for fifth consecutive month

Maria Bengtsson, EY UK & Ireland Mobility Leader, comments on the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) new car registration figures for April 2026:

“UK new car sales rose for the fifth consecutive month in April, with a significant 24% year-on-year increase to 149,247 units. While this momentum is encouraging, it remains to be seen how sustainable it is likely to be in the coming months given the economic and geopolitical backdrop, and its impact on both fuel prices and consumer sentiment.

“Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) registrations saw a substantial 59.1% year-on-year rise last month, resulting in a year-to-date market share of 26.2%, up from 22.6% the previous month. Consumer preferences were already beginning to turn towards cleaner and greener transport at a considerable pace, and the impact of recent inflation in fuel prices is likely to further dissuade consumers from purchasing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. That said, the conflict in the Middle East continues to have a disruptive impact on supply chains across various powertrain technologies, and the effects of this are likely to be seen in sales and registration numbers in the coming months.

“Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) registrations also rose significantly last month, with a 46.4% uptick, while hybrids saw 18.8% year-on-year growth. Whilst these alternative powertrains continue to present a compelling bridge to electrification for many consumers, any further registration growth is likely to be limited until the current uncertain global landscape improves, despite the recent momentum displayed by the UK auto industry.

“Petrol registrations saw an 8.2% year-on-year rise in April, which bucked the recent trend. This trajectory for petrol sales is not expected to continue in the months ahead. Meanwhile, diesel sales declined once again with a modest 1% year-on-year fall.”

Buoyant growth for both retail and fleet sales hands UK automotive sector a boost

Maria added: “Retail sales – the more profitable channel for automakers – has represented a source of significant support for the UK automotive sector so far in 2026, and this continued in April with a 20.2% year-on-year uptick. Fleet sales growth hasn’t been quite so buoyant in recent months, but they rose by more than a quarter (26.8%) in April, representing another reason for automakers to be positive about the start to 2026. Despite these green shoots, heightened fuel prices, increased uncertainty and supply chain disruption may slow momentum in the coming months. Going forward, it will be crucial for automakers to prioritise resilience, scenario planning and agility as they look to keep market momentum against a turbulent backdrop.”