LONDON, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Britain's new car market recorded its strongest June since 2019, with registrations rising 11.4 percent year on year to 213,166 units, driven by continued growth in electric-vehicle sales, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said on Monday.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for a 30 percent share of all new registrations in June, reflecting strong end-of-quarter demand and increased consumer interest amid higher fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East, the industry body said.
The SMMT attributed the market's growth to continued investment by manufacturers in a wider range of electrified vehicles and an increasing number of automotive brands operating in the British market.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said June's performance was very strong, with battery electric vehicles reaching their highest market share this year and more than half of buyers choosing electrified models.
Despite the strong monthly performance, BEVs accounted for 25 percent of the market in the first half of the year, which is a record achievement, but still far short of the government's 33 percent zero-emission vehicle mandate target, according to the SMMT.
Hawes said the market is still not moving fast enough despite manufacturers investing billions in developing and marketing electric vehicles. He called for reform to strengthen Britain's competitiveness, attract investment and safeguard jobs. ■