UK car registrations rose 7% in May to 160,662, the highest level for the month since before the Covid-19 pandemic, driven partly by strong growth from Chinese manufacturers BYD and Chery, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Battery electric vehicle (EV) sales grew fastest, accounting for over 27% of the market. Chinese brands saw significant gains: Chery sold 11,100 cars across its Chery, Jaecoo and Omoda brands, while BYD sold 5,200. Over the first five months, BYD’s sales doubled and Chery’s increased fivefold. MG, owned by China’s SAIC, saw sales rise 13% to nearly 7,500, while Leapmotor and Geely surged to 900 and 1,100 respectively from near zero a year earlier.
Chinese manufacturers have expanded in the UK, which has not imposed punitive tariffs on EV imports. Demand for electric cars has risen since grants were introduced last July and amid rising fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions. Tesla also benefited, with a 45% sales increase in May, though year-to-date sales are up only 3%.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Britain’s car buyers are responding to a market offering more choice than ever, from both new and familiar brands, resulting in a robust May.” Private buyers drove the strongest May increase since 2019, according to the SMMT. Sue Robinson of the National Franchised Dealers Association noted that consumers are “increasingly considering lower-emission motoring options due to the continued high price of fuel”.
The strong EV growth suggests carmakers are likely to meet the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandatory sales targets. While EV sales were below the 33% headline target, New AutoMotive estimates the true target is about 24.6% due to flexibilities. Ben Nelmes, its chief executive, said there is “real consumer and private buyer momentum behind electric vehicles”. However, the SMMT is lobbying for further weakening of the targets, with Hawes calling for an “urgent” review to provide a “credible” path to net zero.
