UK new car registrations rose 7% in May to strongest level since 2019

New car registrations in the UK totaled 160,662 in May, up 7% from 150,070 in May 2025, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The figure marks the strongest May performance since 2019, when registrations reached 183,724.

Private buyer registrations increased 17.2% year-on-year. The SMMT attributed the rise to competitive pricing and expanded model availability across multiple brands.

Electric vehicle sales Battery electric vehicle registrations rose 34.2% and captured 27.3% market share. The SMMT linked the increase to wider model choice, manufacturer discounts, and higher petrol and diesel prices following the Iran oil crisis.

Industry outlook Manufacturers face a 33% zero-emission vehicle sales target for the current year under the government mandate. The seventh Carbon Budget sets a longer-term goal of 95% electric vehicle share by 2030. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said Britain’s car buyers are responding to a market offering more choice than ever, from both new and familiar brands, resulting in a robust May.

He added that consumer uptake of electric vehicles still lags behind current targets and that a review of the transition is now urgent to ensure ambition matches market realities.