The UK’s new car market experienced a return to decline in April, with registrations falling by -10.4% year-on-year to a total of 120,331 vehicles, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Private sales declined by -7.9% while fleet registrations saw an even steeper drop of -11.9%. Despite the overall downturn, electric vehicles continue to experience growth, underlining the shifting dynamics in the market. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) registered a strong performance in April, with an 8.1% increase to 24,558 units. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) also saw robust growth, rising by 34.1% to 14,073 units. However, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) recorded a slight decline of -2.9% to 16,586 units. In 2025 so far, BEV registrations have reached 144,749, a significant 35.2% increase compared to 107,031 during the same period last year. BEVs remain on 20.7% of the market, maintaining their momentum despite broader headwinds. This still remains below the 28% stipulated by the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate. With growing sales of electric, traditional internal combustion engine vehicles have seen declines. Diesel registrations dropped sharply by -26.2%, falling from 8,649 to 6,381 units. Petrol also declined by -22.0%, with 58,733 units registered compared to 75,334 in April last year. NFDA Chief Executive Sue Robinson commented on the latest figures, noting that the timing of the Easter bank holiday may have impacted activity during the month. She also pointed to additional pressures arising from the start of the new fiscal year, including increases to Employers’ National Insurance contributions and the extension of Vehicle Excise Duty and the Expensive Car Supplement to electric vehicles. Robinson concluded that while the Government’s recent changes to the ZEV Mandate reflect several key recommendations from NFDA’s consultation response, more can still be done to align the UK with global standards. Amidst ongoing economic uncertainty and potential impacts from international tariffs, it is more important than ever for the Government to provide clear support and long-term certainty to UK automotive retailers.