Just 243,479 new cars were registered last month, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said.
05 April 2022
The UK’s automotive industry suffered its worst March for new car sales since 1998, according to new figures.
Just 243,479 new cars were registered last month, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.
New car market feels supply chain squeeze during critical ‘new numberplate’ monthhttps://t.co/0rhFtvEIYt pic.twitter.com/eCBXr8kMpe
— SMMT (@SMMT) April 5, 2022
That is down 14.3% compared with March 2021.
It is the lowest March total since 1998, which was prior to the introduction of new number plates every March and September.
UK new car registrations fell by -14.3% to 243,479 units in March. Despite manufacturers reporting robust order books during the first quarter, ongoing supply chain shortages continued to squeeze supply
Here are the top ten models:https://t.co/U4KuqYHE4x pic.twitter.com/N4pbxJBdN2
— SMMT (@SMMT) April 5, 2022
The SMMT said the “massively disappointing” performance was largely down to “ongoing supply chain shortages – especially of semiconductors”.
March is crucial for the industry because it is normally its busiest month of the year as buyers demand the latest number plate.
