Rise in registrations of alternatively fuelled vehicles

March has seen a surge in registrations of alternatively fuelled vehicles, new figures show.

According to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), AFV registrations have increased by 31.0 per cent, compared with the same period last year.

The UK’s new car market has also grown by 8.4 per cent in March, making it the biggest month since records began. The record performance is believed to be down buyers seizing the chance to buy cars before the new vehicle excise duty (VED) rates had come into force.

Petrol cars experienced a notable uplift too, growing 13.2 per cent, while demand for diesel also increased compared to the previous year, with nearly a quarter of a million buyers choosing them – the most ever in a single month.

Fleets and businesses were the big contributors to market growth in March, with registrations up 12.6 per cent and 11.9 per cent respectively, though demand from private buyers also grew, with registrations climbing 4.4 per cent to reverse the decline in demand seen during the previous month.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “These record figures are undoubtedly boosted by consumers and businesses reacting to new VED changes, pulling forward purchases into March, especially those ultra-low emission vehicles that will no longer benefit from a zero-rate fee.

“This bumper performance probably means we will see a slowdown in April, exacerbated by the fact there are fewer selling days this year given Easter timing. Looking ahead to the rest of the year, we still expect the market to cool only slightly given broader political uncertainties as there are still attractive deals on offer.”