The total reveals the strongest start to a year since pre-pandemic 2019, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
The used car market has kicked off the year with a bang, recording a 6.5% increase in sales during the first quarter, hitting over 1.9million vehicles sold, according to the latest figures.
This robust start is the best since the pre-pandemic days of 2019, as reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This growth, marking 16 consecutive months of increases, is attributed to an improving supply in the new car market, which enhances the availability and variety of options for second-hand vehicle buyers.
The data also highlights a significant increase in the sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the used sector, soaring by more than two-thirds to 41,505 in recent months. Additionally, there’s been a rise in the sales of used hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented: “A reinvigorated new car market is delivering more choice and affordability for used car buyers and, increasingly, they are choosing to go electric. To enable even more drivers to enjoy the benefits of zero-emission motoring, ensuring both supply and demand remains robust is essential.”
“Incentivising new EV uptake and investing in a chargepoint network that is accessible, available and affordable to all will drive the nation’s net-zero transition.”
