9:51 am, June 4, 2026
More than 160,000 new cars were registered last month, in the strongest May performance since before the pandemic.
That is according to new data from the SMMT, which has found that registrations rose 7.1% to 160,662 units in the fifth month of the year.
The result marks the best May since 2019, although numbers are still 12.6% down on pre-pandemic levels.
At the top of the charts, the Ford Puma was the month’s best-selling model on 4,019 units, followed by the Kia Sportage and Vauxhall Corsa on 3,439 and 3,075 respectively.
The Puma (24,358) and Sportage (21,274) are also the two biggest sellers in the year to date overall, ahead of the Jaecoo 7 on 20,695 registrations.
Experts say the improved May performance was driven by a ‘resurgence in private buyers’, among whom registrations were up 17.2%.
Growth in the fleet sector was more moderate, with demand up 1.8%, while still accounting for more than half (57.1%) of all registrations. The smaller business sector declined 18.8% – the equivalent of 720 units.
The SMMT says that demand was boosted by ‘competitive offers from an unprecedented range of brands’. The month also saw a 6.4% increase in model choice – including a 25.6% uplift in BEV products year to date.
Breaking the data down by fuel type, registrations of petrol and diesel cars fell by 7.1% and 2.2% respectively, as electrified vehicles gained ground.
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uptake rose 1.8% and plug-in hybrid deliveries grew 23.9% to take an improved market share of 13.8%.
Meanwhile, battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake increased 34.2% to take 27.3% of the market. While this is the highest market share recorded so far in 2026, it remains some way short of the 33% required by the ZEV mandate.
In the year to date, BEVs account for just 23.9% of the market and the SMMT has now repeated calls for a review of the regulations to take place.
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.
‘The EV transition is progressing, but consumer uptake still lags behind even today’s targets, let alone the ambition set out in the latest Carbon Budget.
‘While industry shares the long-term ambition, the pathway to Net Zero must be credible. It cannot come at the cost of lost competitiveness and deindustrialisation.
‘A review of the transition is now urgent to ensure ambition matches market realities and we have a sustainable path to road transport decarbonisation.’
How has the industry reacted?
‘Maintaining momentum will be key’
‘May’s figures mark another strong month for the new car market, as both electric vehicles and new entrant brands continue to play a central role in that growth.
‘Overall, new car lead volumes on Autotrader are up by over a third on 2025, we’ve seen that strong interest flow into sales in recent months and expect that to continue.
‘It is also encouraging that, for the second month in a row, electric was the most enquired upon new car fuel type on Autotrader, once again overtaking petrol as conflict in the Middle East keeps pump prices at a three-year high.
‘There are positive signs that consumer interest is building as choice improves and more drivers gain confidence in making the switch. Maintaining this momentum will be key to ensuring a healthy and sustainable market as we reach mass adoption.’
Ian Plummer, Chief Customer Officer at Autotrader
‘Promising as we enter the second half of the year’
‘The increase in retail demand for new cars, particularly for EVs, is again echoed in our own enquiry data, which is promising as we enter the second half of the year and consider the trajectory required to meet the 2026 ZEV mandate.
‘Overall, enquiries passed to our dealer partners increased 14% year-on-year in May, with demand for battery electric cars up 61%. Petrol and diesel demand, meanwhile, continued to fall in May, with enquiries for ICE cars dropping by 29% in the same period, as more consumers opt for the charger over the pump.
‘Chinese brands dominated the most-enquired list once again in May, with the JAECOO 7 retaining its top spot ahead of the Chery Tiggo 8.
‘Tesla’s Model 3 was the third most-enquired model – itself witnessing a 116% uplift in enquiries year-on-year – followed by the Jaecoo E5 and the Omoda 5, the latter receiving a 224% increase in enquiries across the same period.’
James Pollard, UK commercial director at Carwow
‘Competitive pricing is attracting new buyers’
‘Strong growth in car sales year-on-year reflects a resilience in consumer spending despite economic headwinds, with signs that competitive pricing is attracting new buyers.
‘The number of consumers expecting fuel prices to be higher next month remains well above the long-term average, with three quarters of consumers anticipating a rise in the cost compared to half just two months ago.
‘This will continue to play a role in influencing consumer purchasing decisions, whether it’s the affordability of petrol and diesel vehicles, or the attractiveness of going all-electric.’
Jamie Hamilton, automotive partner and head of electric vehicles at Deloitte
‘Demand for new cars is robust’
‘The best performing May in six years shows there is resilience in the new car market, despite the economic pressures facing many households. The demand for new cars is robust, but buyers remain highly conscious of affordability and are taking time to make the right decision.
‘While the headline figures are positive, consumers are still looking closely at the total cost of ownership, from monthly payments and insurance through to running costs. Value remains a key consideration, regardless of whether buyers are looking at new or used vehicles.
‘The same themes are playing out in the used market. Buyers remain highly value-conscious and are taking a practical approach to motoring. Electric vehicles are becoming more accessible, with prices for the most searched EVs and hybrids on AA Cars down 7.1% year-on-year in Q1, while petrol cars continue to attract strong interest.
‘What we’re seeing is that buyers are weighing up all fuel types and choosing the option that offers the best balance of affordability, running costs and suitability for their needs.’
James Hosking, managing director of AA Cars
‘Competition is intensifying fast’
‘May’s rise in EV registrations is encouraging, but it also underlines the widening gap between ZEV mandate ambition and underlying consumer demand.
‘Competition is intensifying fast, with new entrants and more affordable models bringing greater choice into the market. But EV demand remains highly sensitive to price, running costs and wider household pressures, meaning growth is still not yet broad-based.
‘Fleet and salary sacrifice continue to do much of the heavy lifting because the economics are clearer for businesses and company car drivers. Uncertainty around the future tax environment, including pay-per-mile charging from 2028, risks adding another layer of hesitation at precisely the point the market needs reassurance.
‘If mandated targets are to remain credible, industry momentum must be matched by stronger charging infrastructure, clearer policy and targeted support that makes switching to electric feel practical and affordable for more drivers.’
Jon Lawes, managing director at Novuna Vehicle Solutions
‘Policy stability matters’
‘Record-breaking SMMT figures suggest that the economics of electrification are having a significant impact on driver decision-making, with BEVs consistently making up over a quarter of new registrations.
‘We’re seeing surging interest linked to macro shocks earlier in the year now materialise into real consumer demand.
‘EVs being cheaper on average to buy combined with smart charging and off-peak tariffs means drivers making the switch are benefitting from greater control and predictability over costs.
‘As households continue to navigate the global uncertainty that is putting pressure on energy pricing, many now see that EVs are part of the solution.
‘To maintain this pace, though, policy stability matters. Clear, consistent signals from government give buyers the confidence to commit and give industry the certainty to invest. Without that, we risk stalling a transition that’s hitting its stride.’
Melanie Lane, CEO of Pod
‘There is still more to do’
‘May’s figures reflect the continued momentum behind the electric vehicle market, with registrations growing as more drivers look to make the shift to more sustainable vehicles.
‘The UK’s charging network surpassing 120,000 public devices is another encouraging milestone, particularly with the increase of the more convenient ultra-rapid chargers.
‘This is key to building confidence among drivers considering the switch to electric, especially those without access to home charging.
‘However, there is still more to do to make the UK’s EV transition a long-term success and, as more electric vehicles enter the roads, continued investment in accessible, reliable and cost-effective charging will be essential.’
Susan Wells, director of EV & solar at Hive
