6 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2024 www.aftermarketonline.net New car sales up 9.8% across 2023, but BEV sales nosedive in December New car sales for 2023 were up 9.8% year on year, led by fleet investment, according to the full-year figures from the SMMT, with 1.903 million new cars leaving dealer showrooms. While overall sales were still 17.7% under the levels seen before the pandemic, 2023 was the best year for new car sales since 2019. 817,673 of the totals were sales to private buyers. In terms of drivetrain, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) sales were up 27.1%, achieving 12.6% market share. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) saw a 39.3% surge, hitting 7.4% of the total. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales were up 17.8% for the year, but in December BEV sales fell 34.2%, which has been attributed to confusion among carbuyers due to the Government pushing the ICE ban back to 2035. Commenting on the figures, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: “With vehicle supply challenges fading, the new car market is building back with the best year since the pandemic. Energised by fleet investment, particularly in the latest EVs, the challenge for 2024 is to deliver a green recovery. Government has challenged the UK automotive sector with the world’s boldest transition timeline and is investing to ensure we are a major maker of electric vehicles. It must now help all drivers buy into this future, with consumer incentives that will make the UK the leading European market for ZEVs.” Mark Oakley, Director of AA Cars, observed: “The new car market ended 2023 on a high having weathered a turbulent economic backdrop. However, to keep the momentum going, manufacturers must continue to adapt to changing trends and the increasing take-up of EVs.” LeaseLoco CEO John Wilmot concluded: "Adding to the concern, changes to the UK-EU Rules of Origin in 2024, could lead to heightened EV prices, potentially discouraging consumers from transitioning.” The ZEV mandate kicked in on Wednesday 3 January. As a result, vehicle manufacturers are now required by law for 22% of the vehicles they produce and sell in England, Scotland and Wales be zero-emission. Northern Ireland is not covered by the Mandate. VMs will face a £15,000 fine per non-compliant car sold if they fail to do this. The proportion is intended to keep increasing until it hits 100% in 2035. However, carmakers who do not meet their targets will have the option taking the excess percentage from those who have a surplus. Commenting on the introduction of the mandate, NFDA Chief Executive Sue Robinson said: “The automotive retailing sector has been supportive of the Government’s targets for netzero in 2050 and as such has invested heavily in driving the electrification of the vehicle parc. Nevertheless, there is still more that needs to be done by Government to maintain the positive electric vehicle trajectory in registrations and increase public confidence in these greener, cleaner vehicle types.” Sue added: “Whilst the ZEV mandate is certainly a step in the right direction, the Government needs to offer more attractive price incentives and look to improve EV charging infrastructure across the country to increase consumer confidence in electric and help drive the country towards its net-zero commitments.” According to David Hall, VP of Power Systems, at Schneider Electric UK&I, for carbuyers to get on board, there needs to be a major improvement in charging infrastructure, along with the electricity generating capacity to back it up: "Conversations about diversifying the UK’s energy system have been ongoing for decades, yet the UK is still on the back foot when it comes to energy resiliency. Projects to support the energy transition are being rolled out at a fraction of the necessary pace required to support modern day energy demands.” For more on EVs and hybrids, turn to Aftermarket’s regular round-up on pages 60-61. ZEV Mandate comes into force across the UK NEWS In association with: Friends of JLM worldwide campaign launched JLM Lubricants has launched a new global PR and social media campaign, with 2022 Top Garage winners A&J Fleetcare one of the first subjects of the drive. Friends of JLM will promote independent workshop technicians to both global and domestic audiences. Gilbert Groot, CEO, and founder of JLM Lubricants explained: “The multi-award winning A &J Fleetcare based in Leeds are one of the first Friends of JLM. Alan and Jeanette fly the flag for our products. They stand for everything that is great about independent workshops with their strong ethos on customer service and commitment to a first-time fix.” Mike Schlup, MD of Kalimex, the UK distributor for JLM Lubricants added: “We are delighted to be part of this first initiative, with A&J Fleetcare very much worthy of the title Friends of JLM. More friends of JLM from the UK will be announced in the coming months but to start the clock ticking, we really are going with the best of the best.” For more information, visit: www.jlmlubricants.com
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