5 consecutive months of decline within the new automobile market was halted in August, new figures present.
Registrations of recent automobiles elevated by 1.2% final month in contrast with August 2021, in accordance with the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT).
Some 68,858 new automobiles had been registered within the first month-to-month development since February.
Gross sales of recent automobiles in the course of the yr to this point are 35.3% down on the identical interval within the pre-pandemic yr of 2019.
August is historically one of many quietest months of the yr for the business as many patrons select to attend for brand new quantity plates to be launched in September.
The uptake of pure electrical new automobiles is slowing.
12 months-to-date registrations are up 48.8%, in contrast with 101.9% on the finish of March.
SMMT chief government Mike Hawes mentioned: “August’s new automobile market development is welcome, however marginal throughout a low quantity month.
“Spiralling power prices and inflation on high of sustained provide chain challenges are piling much more strain on the automotive business’s post-pandemic restoration, and we urgently want the brand new Prime Minister to sort out these challenges and restore confidence and sustainable development.
“With September historically a bumper time for brand new automobile uptake, the subsequent month would be the true barometer of business restoration because it accelerates the transition to zero emission mobility regardless of the myriad challenges.”
Ian Plummer, business director at automotive categorised promoting enterprise Auto Dealer, mentioned: “The SMMT’s gross sales figures spotlight simply how a lot the business’s ongoing provide challenges stay the important thing issue holding again the market.
“However power value rises are starting to chunk forward of October’s surge within the power value cap, and our information is starting to point out early indicators of a waning of urge for food for electrical automobiles as patrons weigh up larger charging prices towards working a historically fuelled automobile.”
Richard Peberdy, UK head of automotive at skilled providers firm KPMG, mentioned: “A slight easing of world provide shortages is resulting in a welcome improve in UK automobile manufacturing and new automobile gross sales.
“However a rising value of dwelling threatens shopper urge for food, while rising power and different inflationary prices are placing pricing underneath strain.
“The rest of 2022 is about to additional problem the UK automobile business, regardless of the welcome easing of element availability.”