UK registrations of new cars declined by more than a fifth (20.6 percent) in May 2022 compared to the same month in 2021.
It was the second-weakest May in three decades, with 124,394 new cars registered. Only the pandemic-hit May 2020 was worse, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The SMMT blames the poor month on continued problems with the supply of components, including semiconductor shortages. Issues caused by the war in Ukraine are also a factor.
Vauxhall Corsa still UK’s favourite
Of all new cars, the Vauxhall Corsa emerged as the UK’s favourite for May 2022. A total of 4,399 examples were registered, followed by the Ford Puma on 3,580.
It sees the Corsa remain the UK’s best-selling car overall for 2022, with a total of 17,198 new models registered so far.
Sales of private vehicles fell by 10.6 percent during May 2022 versus the same month in 2021. Fleet and business sales dropped by 29.9 percent and 27.1 percent respectively.
Battery-electric vehicles did demonstrate their growing importance to buyers. With 15,448 examples sold, full-electric cars accounted for 12.4 percent of all registrations in May.
Green van drivers on the up
New van registrations suffered an even worse month than cars. Compared to May 2021, SMMT figures show van numbers dropped by 25.1 percent.
The Ford Transit Custom was the most popular new model, with 3,244 examples registered. Ford’s regular Transit claimed second place, with 2,851 sales.
As with the car market, battery-electric vans demonstrated a substantial increase in numbers. The month saw 869 electric vans registered, up by 46.5 percent compared with a year ago.
Vauxhall’s e-Vivaro accounted for 212 of the new registrations, and leads the overall electric van market in 2022.
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