Sales of alternatively-fuelled cars in the UK were up by more than a quarter last month compared to February 2012.
According to the SMMT, the hybrid and electric vehicle market reported a 26.6 per cent rise in February with 834 units registered.
Paired with January’s 7.9 per cent growth, this marks a 12.3 per cent rise in the UK’s alternatively-fuelled vehicle market for 2013 so far.
These figures are made all the more encouraging as February is traditionally one of the quietest months for new car sales, ahead of the new reg plate introduction in March.
Forward surge
As more hybrid and electric vehicles become available throughout the year (Renault’s ZOE and the second gen Nissan LEAF are on their way), 2013 is definitely on the right track to report a forward surge for alternatively-fuelled vehicles.
A statement from the SMMT read: “Cost-conscious and environmentally-minded motorists were attracted to the advances in fuel efficiency across all ranges and new alternative propulsion systems that became available during the last 12 months.
“These include diesel-electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles.”
New car sales were up by 7.9 per cent overall in February, marking the 12th consecutive monthly rise in new registrations.
John has been writing about cars since the start of 2011, with a particular fondness for models with USB connectivity and a serious distaste for steering wheels with too many buttons. Can often be found trying to seduce 1.0-litre engines. When away from things that go brum, apostrophe snob John can often be found making noise with varying degrees of musicality.
John Simpson
March 06, 2013
Filed under: smmt
eric
I think this is excellent news. These cars really are the future and it's not the distant future, but today. I think the cars that have come out in the last year are all very good cars and I hope people continue to see just how high quality they are.
March 06, 2013