UK car sales log strongest August since 2018, preliminary data shows

According to Business Recorder, new car registrations in the UK rose about 13% in August to more than 90,000, the strongest August since 2018, based on preliminary industry data released on Friday. Battery electric models took roughly 30% of the month's market, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Across the year, the battery electric share stood at 26%, and both the monthly and annual figures remain below the 33% target set by the UK zero-emission vehicle mandate for 2026. A separate tally from New AutoMotive, published on Wednesday, also placed the August BEV share near 30% and showed total registrations up 17.5% year on year.

The two organisations use different data sources and calculation methods, so their numbers are not directly comparable. The SMMT will release the final August figures at 0800 GMT on Friday.