Skip to main content

Demand for new cars falls to 21-year low with the number of vehicles registered in UK down by more than 4% compared to last year

The impact of the pandemic on the economy was laid bare today as new figures show that demand for new cars fell to a 21-year low last month.

Some 328,041 new cars were registered in the UK in September, down 4.4% on the total of 343,255 during the same month in 2019, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders .

This was the weakest September performance since 1999 when new number plates began being issued twice per year, in March and September.

The SMMT warned that the industry faces 'myriad challenges' during the remainder of 2020, in the wake of what has been a 'torrid year.' 

New cars waiting for distribution are stored at a car park in Ashford, Kent

New cars waiting for distribution are stored at a car park in Ashford, Kent

Rush hour traffic congestion in London rises by 10% in a week 

Traffic congestion soared in London this morning as more commuters headed back into the office.

TomTom data revealed there were 527 miles of traffic jams across the capital as of 9am today with 1,340 jams in total - and congestion levels at 66 per cent.

This figure was up ten percentage points from 56 per cent at the same point last week, and up from an average of 43 per cent from the same time last year.

It suggests more motorists are hitting the roads than at the same point in 2019, as fewer people use public transport to get to work and on the school run.

The traffic congestion levels in London at 8am were even higher at 68 per cent, which was up from 58 per cent last week and 63 per cent last year.

Earlier on today, congestion in the capital at 7am was 44 per cent, up from 41 per cent last week but down from 52 per cent in 2019.

Public transport usage during the coronavirus pandemic is well down on normal levels, according to the most recent data from Transport for London.  

But sales of battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars bucked the trend with rises of 184.3% and 138.6% respectively.

Overall registrations during the first nine months of the year were down 33.2% compared with the same period in 2019.

As details emerged of the damage inflicted by the lockdown, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the industry has suffered its worst year since 1999. 

He added: 'During a torrid year, the automotive industry has demonstrated incredible resilience, but this is not a recovery.

'Despite the boost of a new registration plate, new model introductions and attractive offers, this is still the poorest September since the two-plate system was introduced in 1999.

'Unless the pandemic is controlled and economy-wide consumer and business confidence rebuilt, the short-term future looks very challenging indeed.'

The SMMT warned that the industry faces more challenges, including Brexit uncertainty, the investment required to develop zero-emission capable vehicles, and the difficulty in achieving climate change targets amid stalling demand for new cars.

It expects the number of new cars registered during the year as a whole to be around 30.6% lower than in 2019, which is equivalent to £21.2 billion in lost sales.

James Fairclough, chief executive of AA Cars, said: 'Dealerships are frantically playing catch up for the months of sales lost during lockdown. 

'Even though many have made great strides over the summer, the winter months will be decisive in determining how sustainable the momentum is.

'Drivers' concerns about the stability of their finances could also be pegging back demand for new cars and prompting many to look for better value on the second-hand market instead.'

This comes as traffic congestion soared in London this morning as more commuters headed back into the office – after demand for new cars fell to a 21-year low last month. 

Commuters walk near London Bridge station this morning at the start of the working week

Commuters walk near London Bridge station this morning at the start of the working week

Demand for new cars fell to a 21-year low last month, industry data has revealed today. Pictured, a Volkswagen Inchcape car dealership in Stockport, Greater Manchester

Demand for new cars fell to a 21-year low last month, industry data has revealed today. Pictured, a Volkswagen Inchcape car dealership in Stockport, Greater Manchester

TomTom data revealed there were 527 miles of traffic jams across the capital as of 9am today with 1,340 jams in total - and congestion levels at 66 per cent.

This figure was up ten percentage points from 56 per cent at the same point last week, and up from an average of 43 per cent from the same time last year.

Last week it was revealed Britons had rejected Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's call to work from home with almost two thirds of employees still heading into the office.

The Office for National Statistics said 59 per cent of UK adults travelled to their workplace at some stage in the week to September 27, down from 64 per cent the previous week - the highest since records began in May.

Popular posts from this blog

Study Abroad USA, College of Charleston, Popular Courses, Alumni

Thinking for Study Abroad USA. School of Charleston, the wonderful grounds is situated in the actual middle of a verifiable city - Charleston. Get snatched up by the wonderful and customary engineering, beautiful pathways, or look at the advanced steel and glass building which houses the School of Business. The grounds additionally gives students simple admittance to a few major tech organizations like Amazon's CreateSpace, Google, TwitPic, and so on. The school offers students nearby as well as off-grounds convenience going from completely outfitted home lobbies to memorable homes. It is prepared to offer different types of assistance and facilities like clubs, associations, sporting exercises, support administrations, etc. To put it plainly, the school grounds is rising with energy and there will never be a dull second for students at the College of Charleston. Concentrate on Abroad USA is improving and remunerating for your future. The energetic grounds likewise houses various

Best MBA Online Colleges in the USA

“Opportunities never open, instead we create them for us”. Beginning with this amazing saying, let’s unbox today’s knowledge. Love Business and marketing? Want to make a high-paid career in business administration? Well, if yes, then mate, we have got you something amazing to do!   We all imagine an effortless future with a cozy house and a laptop. Well, well! You can make this happen. Today, with this guide, we will be exploring some of the top-notch online MBA universities and institutes in the USA. Let’s get started! Why learn Online MBA from the USA? Access to More Options This online era has given a second chance to children who want to reflect on their careers while managing their hectic schedules. In this, the internet has played a very crucial in rejuvenating schools, institutes, and colleges to give the best education to students across the globe. Graduating with Less Debt Regular classes from high reputed institutes often charge heavy tuition fees. However onl

Sickening moment maskless 'Karen' COUGHS in the face of grocery store customer, then claims she doesn't have to wear a mask because she 'isn't sick'

A woman was captured on camera following a customer through a supermarket as she coughs on her after claiming she does not need a mask because she is not sick.  Video of the incident, which has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on Twitter alone, allegedly took place in a Su per Saver in Lincoln, Nebraska according to Twitter user @davenewworld_2. In it, an unidentified woman was captured dramatically coughing as she smiles saying 'Excuse me! I'm coming through' in the direction of the customer recording her. Scroll down for video An unidentified woman was captured dramatically coughing as she smiles saying 'Excuse me! I'm coming through' in the direction of a woman recording her A woman was captured on camera following a customer as she coughs on her in a supermarket without a mask on claiming she does not need one because she is not sick @chaiteabugz #karen #covid #karens #karensgonewild #karensalert #masks we were just wearing a mask at the store. ¿ o