New car sales declined last month as only the electric vehicles (EVs) segment enjoyed higher registrations on extensive discounting, industry body SMMT reported.
Total sales across the UK fell by 6% to 144,288 in October, as registrations of hybrids, petrol and diesel models all dropped.
EV sales surged by 24.5% to 29,802, though SMMT warned this followed “unsustainable discounting” as manufacturers attempted to meet government-mandated targets.
Manufacturers run the risk of fines if EVs don’t account for 22% of sales in 2024 under the UK’s zero-emission vehicle mandate.
One in five battery electric models were now retailing for less than the average price of a petrol or diesel car as a result, SMMT said.
However, October’s jump in sales still left EVs’ market share short of the required 22%, at 18.1%.
“Massive manufacturer investment in model choice and market support is helping make the UK the second largest EV market in Europe,” SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said.
“EVs already work for many people and businesses, but to shift the entire market at the pace demanded requires significant intervention on incentives, infrastructure and regulation.”