The 24-plate change boosted new-car registrations in March, according to SMMT figures.
But private buyers have put the brakes on pure electric purchases and the car makers want Government incentives to be increased to meet emissions targets..
March signals a twentieth month of consecutive growth for the automotive sector, a remarkable milestone for the industry, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK commenting on the latest SMMT new car registration figures.
Sue Robinson concluded, “it is encouraging that the first quarter of 2024 has demonstrated continuous growth in new car registrations and electric vehicle sales. With March being a plate change month, this month’s growth appears to have been given a boost with the introduction of the ’24 plate.
“Despite the robust growth being demonstrated by the sector, it was disappointing that the Government offered little support to the industry in the recent Spring Budget which could have aided in accelerating this momentum further. Notably, there was no mention of price incentives for EVs, particularly as manufacturers seek to meet the targets outlined by the ZEV mandate.
“Private demand continues to be superseded by fleet, as has been the case in recent months, in which incentives could act to encourage private buyers.”
Temporarily halving VAT on BEVs, revising the threshold for the expensive car supplement on Vehicle Excise Duty next April, and abolishing the ‘pavement penalty’ on public EV charging by equalising VAT rates to 5% in line with home charging, would make a significant difference to consumers, helping more of them move to zero emission vehicles sooner.
SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said, “Market growth continues, fuelled by fleets investing after two tough years of constrained supply.
“A sluggish private market and shrinking EV market share, however, show the challenge ahead. Manufacturers are providing compelling offers, but they can’t single-handedly fund the transition indefinitely.
“Government support for private consumers – not just business and fleets – would send a positive message and deliver a faster, fairer transition on time and on target.”
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is paving the way for increasingly sustainable travel in Wales’ countryside, with the installation of 16 new electric vehicle charge-points – funded by BMW UK through its Recharge in Nature partnership with UK National Parks.
The new charge-points are split evenly between Bannau Brycheiniog National Park’s Visitor Centre in Libanus and Craig-y-Nos Country Park.