The UK’s automotive industry endured its 2nd weakest May well in three many years, figures clearly show.
Just 124,394 new automobiles had been registered last month, the Culture of Motor Companies and Traders (SMMT) mentioned.
That was down 20.6% when compared with the very same month final year.
It was the 2nd least expensive selection of new autos registered in Might because 1992.
Only Could 2020 – when the British isles was in a coronavirus lockdown – was worse for the marketplace.
The SMMT attributed the decrease to shortages of components which are cutting down vehicle availability “despite demand”.
Registrations of pure electrical automobiles bucked the general development last month, with a 17.7% year-on-calendar year improve.
Electrified motor vehicles such as pure electrics, plug-in hybrids and hybrids accounted for a few out of 10 new vehicles in Might.
SMMT main executive Mike Hawes explained: “In nevertheless a further difficult thirty day period for the new auto market place, the business continues to struggle ongoing world wide components shortages, with developing battery electric powered motor vehicle uptake just one of the few dazzling spots.
“To keep on this momentum and travel a sturdy mass marketplace for these autos, we require to be certain just about every consumer has the confidence to go electric.
“This necessitates an acceleration in the rollout of obtainable charging infrastructure to match the escalating amount of plug-in cars, as well as incentives for the invest in of new, cleaner and greener vehicles.
“Delivering on net zero indicates renewing the automobiles on our roadways at tempo, but with increasing inflation and a squeeze on home incomes this will be ever more difficult, unless of course firms and private potential buyers have the self-assurance and encouragement to do so.”
Ian Plummer, professional director at automotive labeled advertising and marketing enterprise Auto Trader, explained: “Today’s weak new motor vehicle figures underline the lingering troubles for carmakers, as the war in Ukraine adds to the headwinds of a write-up-Covid lack of semiconductors, and lockdowns in China.
“Even while the microchip lack is easing a very little, makers are having difficulties to source crucial elements like wiring looms, which are a important Ukrainian export and really hard to swap.
“While there are some signs of dented customer self esteem now dampening car or truck-purchasing need from its new highs, the most important challenge in the new automobile current market lies with offer alternatively than need with most manufacturers and dealerships boasting bulging orderbooks and consumers commonly ready quite a few months for deliveries.”
Alex Buttle, co-founder of utilised car or truck marketplace Motorway.co.british isles, claimed electric car or truck income “provide a beacon of hope to the automobile market place that items aren’t all doom and gloom”.