MARCH 2024 AFTERMARKET 61 www.aftermarketonline.net solutions for fixing and maintaining these vehicles. We’ll continue to rise to this challenge and to support independent garages, with 2024 representing a pivotal year for progress – despite the ICE ban delay to 2035.” For more information, visit: https://corporate.eurocarparts.co m/ Millionth UK BEV sold in January as overall new car sales rise New car sales were up 8.2% in January, according to figures from the SMMT, just in time for the millionth battery electric vehicle (BEV) to be sold during the month. In total, 142,876 new cars were sold during the first month of 2024, up 10,882 on the previous year, representing the 18th month of continuous growth. It was also the best January since 2020. The growth was entirely the result of a 29.9% rise in fleet buying however, with private buyer sales actually down 15.8%. Fleet registrations made up 63.2% of the total, up from 52.7% a year ago. Diesel engine vehicle sales dropped 10.1% to 9,348, while petrol vehicle sales increased 7.5% to 81,905 units. Plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) registrations were up 31.1% to 11,944 units, while hybrids (HEVs) dropped 1.2% to 18,744. On the full electric front, 20,935 BEVs were registered in January, up 21%, taking the overall total since 2002 to 1,001,677. Commenting on the figures, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: “It’s taken just over 20 years to reach our million EV milestone – but with the right policies, we can double down on that success in just another two. Market growth is currently dependent on businesses and fleets. Government must therefore use the upcoming Budget to support private EV buyers, temporarily halving VAT to cut carbon, drive economic growth and help everyone make the switch. Manufacturers have been asked to supply the vehicles. We now ask Government to help consumers buy the vehicles on which net zero depends.” NFDA Chief Executive Sue Robinson observed: “It is promising to see the year start off strongly with an increase in new car registrations in January. It is also encouraging to see that sales of electric vehicles have bounced back after experiencing a decrease in November and December. These give us an insight into how electric sales have fared since the implementation of the ZEV mandate at the start of the year. “Despite the positive start to the year, it is important that the Government continues to support the automotive industry during the transition to zero emissions by investing in charging infrastructure and provide for financial incentives for EV buyers. These issues have been highlighted to the Government in NFDA’s 2024 Spring Budget submission.” AA Cars M.D James Hosking added: “The new car market has started the year brightly, building on the incredible momentum it achieved in 2023. The remarkable 18 straight months of rising sales have coincided with a 17% surge in UK vehicle production. More than a million new vehicles rolled off British production lines in 2023, helping make supply shortages look like a thing of the past. The shorter wait time between drivers choosing a car and receiving the keys will have encouraged more people to commit to a purchase despite the turbulent economic climate.” “Although January’s surprise uptick in consumer inflation may mean interest rates come down more slowly than hoped, sentiment is holding up well and buyer demand should keep the new car market moving forward smoothly. With the new registration plates just around the corner, dealers will be optimistic that they can keep sales on a positive trajectory into the spring.” EV ownership experience marred by infrastructure The cost of EV charging, access to public charging and functionality of the apps required for charging are all negatively impacting the electric vehicle ownership experience, a survey of MotorEasy members has found. Over half were frustrated by battery range and one in four were concerned by the energy costs for recharging. 73% were concerned by access to public charging, with 71% stumped by the reality of using these chargers. 65% found the apps needed for charging a problem. A further 65% were worried about steep EV depreciation. Commenting on the outcome of the survey, Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of Intelligent Motoring, the parent company of MotorEasy, said: “Almost three-quarters of the EV drivers we surveyed have experienced difficulties with accessing and using the infrastructure. As a result, EV owners advised those considering the switch to prioritise the installation of a home charger to save both time and money. Experienced owners also suggest new buyers research energy providers and take advantage of night-time charging tariffs wherever possible, to make powering up even more costeffective.” Servicing and repair costs were causing issues for 22% of respondents, with 25% saying they found it difficult to find a garage able to take on the work. Duncan added: “With high voltage systems and advanced technology onboard, technicians working on EVs need to have the right training, which can mean EV owners may not be able to use their usual garage.” For more information, visit: www.motoreasy.com
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