new vehicle registrations grew 27.5 per cent in January 2022 compared with the exact same month last year, however were still down 22.9 per cent on January 2020.
A overall of 115,087 vehicles were registered during the month, putting 2022 on program for a overall of 1.897million registrations, according to the society of motor manufacturers as well as Traders (SMMT). This would be up 15.2 per cent on 2021, however down 22.9 per cent on 2022.
Best electric vehicles to buy 2022
January 2022’s growth was driven by personal buyers, who manufacturers tried to prioritise in the deal with of the continuous semiconductor shortage. Some 62,300 new vehicles were registered privately – up 64.1 per cent year-on-year. Fleet registrations stayed broadly stable.
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Electric, hybrid as well as plug-in hybrid designs accounted for 71.5 per cent of the growth in registrations. An impressive 20.4 per cent of vehicles registered during the month came with a plug – the SMMT predicts this will ended up being 25 per cent by the end of the year.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: “Given the lockdown-impacted January 2021, this month’s figures were always going to be an improvement, however it is still reassuring to see a strengthening market.
“Once again, it is electrified vehicles that are driving the growth, in spite of the continuous headwinds of chip shortages, rising inflation as well as the cost-of-living squeeze.
“2022 is off to a reasonable start, however, as well as with around 50 new electrified designs due for release this year, clients will have an ever higher choice, which can only be great for our shared environmental ambitions.”
Thinking of buying an electric, petrol or hybrid car? checked out our buying guide to assist you along the way…