Following the news that the UK new car market declined by 7.3% in the first month of 2020, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT);

David Leggett, Automotive Editor at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

“The UK’s car market decline was no great surprise. For consumers there is continued confusion surrounding diesel and clean air zones as well as ongoing weak consumer and business confidence.

“Registrations of new diesel cars continue to decline and now account for just under a fifth of the UK new car market. At their peak, they accounted for more than half.

“We’re also seeing a sustained increase in sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) – up by over 200% in January – and strong growth will continue through 2020 as many new BEV products come to market.

“The most significant model will be the Volkswagen compact cIass ID.3 – it is the start of the new VW all-electric family. However, there is a long list of fully electric models due for market launch over the next year or so including a BMW iX3, the Honda ‘e’, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mazda MX30, Kia e-Niro, an electric Mini, the Polestar 2, a Porsche Macan EV and we’ll also be seeing more Mercedes EQC and Audi e-tron (also joined in 2020 by the Sportback electric saloon) electric SUVs on the roads.

“This year is going to be busy with BEV model launches and this will stimulate consumer interest in what will be seen as a dynamic and growing segment of the UK car market.”