UK car sales: worst performance since 1952

Car showrooms have been closed for May, but limited deliveries of vehicles ordered online could take place

Demand for new cars fell by 89% last month as the coronavirus lockdown hit sales.

Only 20,000 new cars were registered in May compared with 184,000 during the same month in 2019, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

It was the automotive industry's worst May performance since 1952.

UK car sales: worst performance since 1952

Just over half a million new cars have been sold in the first five months of 2020, compared with more than one million at the same point last year.

Car showrooms across the UK were closed for the whole of May, but limited deliveries of new vehicles ordered online could take place.

They have been able to reopen in England since Monday but remain closed in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "After a second month of shutdown and the inevitable yet devastating impact on the market, this week's reopening of dealerships is a pivotal moment for the entire industry and the thousands of people whose jobs depend on it.

"Customers keen to trade up into the latest, cutting-edge new cars are now able to return to showrooms and early reports suggest there is good business given the circumstances, although it is far too early to tell how demand will pan out over the coming weeks and months.

"Restarting this market is a crucial first step in driving the recovery of Britain's critical car manufacturers and supply chain, and to supporting the wider economy.

"Ensuring people have the confidence to invest in the latest vehicles will not only help them get on the move safely, but these new models will also help address some of the environmental challenges the UK faces in the long term."

Ian Plummer, commercial director at online car marketplace Auto Trader, said there is "a lot of pent-up demand" from car buyers, creating a "huge opportunity for the industry to help kickstart the country's wider economy".

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.