The UK new car market has experienced its fifth consecutive month of decline, with registrations falling by -1.0% in February. According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 84,054 new cars were registered during the month, reflecting a slight downturn. Despite the overall decline, private sales showed resilience, increasing by 4.6%. However, fleet registrations, which have formed a significant portion of the market over the past year, fell by -4.0%. Electric vehicles continued to gain traction, with BEV registrations rising by 41.7% to 21,244 units. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) registrations also saw a 19.3% increase, reaching 7,273 units, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) grew by 7.9% to 11,431 units. In 2025, 50,878 BEVs have been registered so far, a 41.6% increase compared to the same period last year. As electric vehicle sales continue to rise, traditional fuel types saw a decline. Diesel registrations dropped by -15.1% to 4,241 units, while petrol vehicles experienced a -17.3% decrease, falling to 39,865 units. The market is set for a shift in the coming months as new policies and incentives shape the industry. March, being a plate change month, is expected to drive an uptick in registrations. Additionally, upcoming changes such as the introduction of Vehicle Excise Duty for electric vehicles could influence purchasing decisions. The transition to zero-emission vehicles remains a key focus, with NFDA calling for government incentives to help stimulate consumer demand and sustain market growth.