The number of new cars registered in the UK rose by 7.2% year-on-year in February, including a 17.6% increase in private retail registrations.
The data has been published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which said that the total of 90,100 registrations seen last month made it the market’s best February since 2004.
Retail took a 39.1% new car market share during February, with fleet registrations at 59.4% following a 1.8% volume increase, and business registrations (to organisations with fewer than 25 vehicles) at 1.5% following a 12.7% volume decline.
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EV market share drops
In terms of fuel mix, battery electric vehicle registrations rose by 2.8% year-on-year in February. However, their resulting market share of 24.2% was down by 1.1% compared with the same month last year, marking a second consecutive month of decline, which the SMMT attributed to a strong start to 2025 for new EVs, and a strong push by manufacturers at the end of last year to comply with the UK Government’s ZEV mandate.
Plug-in hybrid registrations surged by 43.5% in February, taking an 11.6% market share, while hybrids were up by 3.3% to take 13.1% of the market.
Petrol car registrations were up by 5.2% for a 46.5% market share, while diesels were down by 3.8%, taking 4.5% of the market.
The Ford Puma took over as the UK’s most in-demand car in February, with 3,220 registrations, ahead of January’s chart topper, the Kia Sportage, with 2,205, and the Mini Cooper with 1,828. The Puma’s strong February has also helped it to the top of the year-to-date registrations chart with 6,935, narrowly ahead of the Sportage with 6,880, and the Jaecoo 7 with 5,505.
February new car registrations by model
| 1 | Ford Puma | 3,220 |
| 2 | Kia Sportage | 2,205 |
| 3 | Mini Cooper | 1,828 |
| 4 | Tesla Model 3 | 1,584 |
| 5 | Jaecoo 7 | 1,446 |
| 6 | Volvo XC40 | 1,392 |
| 7 | Volkswagen Tiguan | 1,379 |
| 8 | Vauxhall Corsa | 1,335 |
| 9 | Ford Kuga | 1,286 |
| 10 | Hyundai Tucson | 1,222 |
March ‘pivotal’ for new EV registrations
With EV market share for the year to date at 22%, only two-thirds of the 33% level required by the ZEV mandate, the SMMT said March would be a pivotal month, and argued that circumstances had “changed beyond expectation” since the mandate level was set, despite manufacturer investment and discounting and the introduction of the Government’s Electric Car Grant.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: “The UK’s new car market is continuing to recover and EV volumes are growing too, even if market share remains disappointing.
“All eyes are now on ‘new plate’ March, which typically sets the tone for the year – and given sales of new pure petrol and diesel cars are currently required to end in less than four years, EV uptake must accelerate rapidly.
“Manufacturers have committed monumental investment to drive demand but such costs cannot be sustained indefinitely, making a review of the transition an urgent priority to ensure ambition matches natural demand.”
February car registrations show ‘resilience’
Reacting to the data, Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealer Association (NFDA), said: “February’s figures show continued resilience in the UK automotive sector, with a strong performance ahead of the crucial March plate change. Franchised dealers across the country are preparing for one of the busiest periods of the year.
“While electrified vehicles continue to gain market share, the figures also highlight that demand remains uneven between the various EV derivatives.
“As the industry continues its transition towards zero-emission mobility, it is essential that consumers are supported with clear policy direction and the right incentives to encourage greater uptake.”
Philip Nothard, insight director at Cox Automotive Europe, said: “February is typically a slower month for the new car market, so the fact that the last month delivered the best result since 2004 is encouraging.
“That said, despite growth in EV registrations, performance against this year’s demanding ZEV mandate remains a concern. This is particularly pertinent given softer private demand and continued reliance on fleet and business channels, especially as the majority of drivers (65%) still perceive EV ownership costs to be higher than those of ICE vehicles.
“With broader economic and political uncertainty weighing on consumers, attention now turns firmly to March, a pivotal month that will offer a clearer indication of whether the market can build sustainable momentum.”
John Cassidy, managing director at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “February saw another growth in new registrations, which is yet another positive marker for consumer confidence and the automotive industry.
“However, the impact upon the cost of living from events in the Middle East may well undo this momentum, and threaten to cast a shadow over the industry for the rest of the year.
“Of most immediate concern are the potential significant rises in fuel prices and electricity, adding to the high costs associated with owning a vehicle. Impacts on global supply chains may also force manufacturers to raise the prices, meaning prospective buyers may be changing their plans to upgrade their cars.
“The long-term effects of the turmoil are yet to become clear, but dealers need to be prepared to adjust their forecourts to account for a sharp change in demand should events continue to escalate.”
MORE: New car registration figures (Source: SMMT)