Finance
UK New Car Sales Grew 6% in March, Industry Data Shows
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 7, 2026
1 min readLast updated: April 7, 2026
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Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 7, 2026
1 min readLast updated: April 7, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleUK new car registrations rose ~6% in March 2026, with BEV volumes hitting a monthly record and capturing ~23% of the market—though still well below the 33% target. Rising energy costs tied to the Iran conflict are adding consumer uncertainty.
April 7 (Reuters) - New car registrations in the UK grew around 6% in March, which is usually the biggest month for vehicle registrations in the country, preliminary industry data showed on Tuesday.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) volumes reached a record high during the month, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), though their overall market share is estimated at around 23%, still well below the government‑mandated target of 33% for 2026.
The industry has intensified calls for an urgent review of the UK's electric vehicle transition, warning that the Iran crisis is magnifying uncertainty among consumers. Surging gas prices driven by the Middle East conflict have lifted electricity rates in Europe, including in Britain.
Final sales figures for March will be published at 0800 GMT.
(Reporting by Ankita Bora in Bengaluru; Editing by Jonathan Ananda)
UK new car registrations grew around 6% in March, according to preliminary industry data.
Battery electric vehicle volumes reached a record in March, with an estimated 23% market share.
The BEV market share of 23% is below the government-mandated target of 33% for 2026.
The industry is calling for an urgent review of the UK's electric vehicle transition, citing increased consumer uncertainty amid the Iran crisis.
Final figures for March sales will be published at 0800 GMT.
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