The UK market had been on a sales streak, recording two whole years (24 months) of month-on-month growth in new car registrations. But the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show the streak ended in August 2024, as registrations dipped by 1.3% compared to the same month in 2023. And the Ford Puma remains at top of the UK’s bestselling cars list.
August is traditionally a quiet month in dealerships, as buyers tend to hold off making a purchase until the latest number plate is introduced on 1 September. A total of 84,575 cars were registered over the course of the month.
As ever, large company and leasing fleets accounted for the vast majority of registrations, fully 60.7% of the whole market. Though that number is itself down 1.2% on the market share posted in August 2023. Business sales to company car drivers and small firms were also down a whopping 30.3%, making up a market share of just 1.3%. Registrations to private retail customers bucked recent trends and actually increased in August, albeit by just 0.2% (or 55 cars) compared to the same period last year, for a market share of 38.0%.
Across the year-to-date, sales remain relatively buoyant. Over 1.2 million new cars have been registered so far, an increase of 5.1% on the first eight months of 2023. Fleets account for 60.0% of the market, an increase of 19.2%. But private sales are down a worrying 11.2% – for a market share of 37.8% – as buyers grapple with the ongoing cost of living crisis. Business sales are also down across the year, though they only make up 2.2% of the whole market, anyway.
Petrol cars remain the most popular choice, taking 50.7% of registrations in August. But hybrid cars are the biggest growth area, registrations increasing by 36.1% to take 13.8% of the market. Electric cars also posted growth of 10.8% thanks to some great deals, taking a 22.6% market share.
However, car manufacturers are no doubt concerned about their ability to hit the government’s EV sales mandate. They take up a market share of 17.2% for the year so far, and the SMMT predicts that will only increase to 18.5% by the end of the year, way off the target of 22% each manufacturer has to record. Keep an eye out for some killer deals later in the year as manufacturers scramble to meet their targets.
What the industry says about UK car sales
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT said: ‘August’s EV growth is welcome, but it’s always a very low volume month and so subject to distortions ahead of September’s number plate change. The introduction of the new 74 plate, together with a raft of compelling offers and discounts from manufacturers, plus growing model choice, will help increase purchase consideration and be a true barometer for market demand.
‘Encouraging a mass market shift to EVs remains a challenge, however, and urgent action must be taken to help buyers overcome affordability issues and concerns about chargepoint provision.’
The SMMT has previously called for the government to reintroduce some sort of plug-in car grant for private electric car buyers and has pressured parliament to cut VAT on home charging from 20% to 5%, matching the tax levied on public charging.
The top 10 bestselling cars of August 2024
- Ford Puma – 2,471 sold
- Kia Sportage – 1,962 sold
- Tesla Model 3 – 1,542 sold
- Volkswagen Polo – 1,524 sold
- Tesla Model Y – 1,469 sold
- Volkswagen Golf – 1,437 sold
- Volkswagen T-Roc – 1,297 sold
- Volvo XC40 – 1,202 sold
- Hyundai Tucson – 1,198 sold
- Nissan Qashqai – 1,170 sold
Top 10 bestselling cars of 2024 year-to-date
It's the nation's favourite for a reason
It’s also the best-driving SUV in its class, running rings around the likes of the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke. It captures a lot of the same handling magic found in the old Fiesta, with which it shares its underpinnings – and, now that the Fiesta’s dead, this is the only way to experience that magic. We’re happy to see it perform so well.
To find out more, read our full Ford Puma review
Pros
- It’s the best-driving family SUV
- Fun and frugal petrol engines
- Huge boot thanks to Ford’s Megabox
Cons
- Rear legroom is a little tight
- Dashboard is rather bland
There’s a Sportage to suit almost everyone
But we reckon the Sportage is worth spending the cash on. It has a practical interior, plenty of standard equipment, a great infotainment package and it comes with Kia’s brilliant seven-year warranty. The only thing that lets it down is it’s driving experience. Its steering is a little too light for our liking and its handling isn’t anywhere near as fun as the Ford Kuga’s. We can’t fault it otherwise, though.
To find out more, read our full Kia Sportage review
Pros
- Intuitive infotainment screen
- Great standard equipment
- Spacious and practical cabin
Cons
- Overly light steering system
- Pricey – especially the PHEV model
The car that kicked off the SUV craze
Buyers have a choice of two petrol engines. There’s a 1.3-litre mild-hybrid available with two power outputs, and a 1.5-litre full hybrid. We recommend opting for the latter – with more power and greater efficiency it’s better to live with day-to-day. The facelifted model is here, too, so watch out for deals on the outgoing car.
To find out more, read our full Nissan Qashqai review
Pros
- High-quality interior
- Lots of tech that works well
- Incredibly refined E-Power hybrid
Cons
- No PHEV or performance version
- No load-through hatch on rear bench
The original family hatch just got better
Volkswagen has given the updated Golf a brand-new infotainment system, which is far nicer to look at and much easier to use. Build quality has improved, too – and the PHEV models now have twice as much electric range thanks to some new battery technology. It doesn’t drive any differently to the previous model, but that’s not such a bad thing because it always was comfortable on the motorway and engaging in the corners.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen Golf review
Pros
- New infotainment is one of the best on sale
- Loads of engines, including new PHEV systems
- Build quality is noticeably better than before
Cons
- Not as engaging to drive as the Focus
- Revised Skoda Octavia offers better value
It isn't our favourite, but UK drivers love it
The Juke trails its larger sibling, the Qashqai, in the sales charts, but the numbers are surprisingly close. Perhaps that’s indicative of UK buyers downsizing their cars.
To find out more, read our full Nissan Juke review
Pros
- User-friendly interior
- Clear infotainment system
- Distinctive styling
Cons
- Fidgety ride
- Engines need more pep
It's like a Golf, only posher
The A3 is based on the same underpinnings as the Golf – and it's a fine car that looks great, drives neatly, comes packed with tech and offers a huge range of engines and trim levels. It’s surprisingly good value, too. Only less than generous passenger space and some cheap interior materials let it down.
To find out more, read our full Audi A3 review
Pros
- Highly efficient engine range
- Excellent technology
- Good to drive
Cons
- Average interior space
- Some iffy interior materials
It gets all the fundamentals bang on
We’re particularly fond of the Tucson’s interior. It’s been nailed together incredibly well and has a great infotainment system that’s easy to use on the move. It’s also more than spacious enough for four passengers and it has a simply enormous 620-litre boot.
To find out more, read our full Hyundai Tucson review
Pros
- Comfortable, roomy interior
- User-friendly infotainment
- Range of hybrid option
Cons
- No diesel for long-distance drivers
- Not that fun to drive
A value-driven PHEV SUV
It is very spacious and practical, though, and it comes with plenty of standard equipment. Plus, the revised model that MG launched in 2023 even looks quite good. But it’s not especially refined and there are question marks over its reliability.
However, MG has just unveiled the second-generation HS – and it seems to have fixed all the previous car’s foibles. The figures listed here from the SMMT are for the outgoing car, but maybe the new one will appear here soon once its sales get into full swing.
To find out more, read our full MG HS review
Pros
- Spacious and practical cabin
- PHEV model available
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Uncomfortable driving position
- Dated infotainment system
A sensible and customisable compact SUV
Even though the T-Roc’s dimensions are on the compact side, it’s a genuinely family-friendly car. Interior space is on par with the Golf, but the T-Roc’s boot is much bigger than that of its hatchback cousin. It’s quite good to drive, too, but the lack of even a mild hybrid version does count against it, these days.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen T-Roc review
Pros
- Low running costs
- Good driving experience
- Funky styling
Cons
- Disappointing interior plastics
- No electric or hybrid options
Upmarket hatch is a brilliant all-rounder
On the downside, it’s not the most practical of car this type, with limited back seat and boot space. The lack of a hybrid version limits its appeal to certain buyers, as well. But it compensates for that with its pair of hot hatchback models. Our advice is to swerve the M135i and opt for the 128ti. It’s more fun.
To find out more, read our full BMW 1 Series review
Pros
- Excellent refinement
- Brilliant technology
- Strong performance
Cons
- Rear headroom could be better
- M135i could be more exciting
