Comment on SMMT car market figures

“What’s striking in these figures is both the rapid increase in alternatively-fuelled vehicles (AFVs) - pure electric and electric hybrids – and the dramatic drop in diesel demand. Our analysis suggests that AFV sales could overtake diesel sales as early as May 2019, so clearly, we are starting to see a massive shift in our car market, which is being mirrored in other parts of the world.

“Although these figures will see a short-term increase in motor emissions, notably of carbon dioxide, in the longer term the Government should be applauded for its ambition to convert the UK's fleet of vehicles away from combustion engines. This will put Britain in a leading position in the global car manufacturing race whilst combatting air pollution and saving drivers money at the same time.”

ECIU analysis suggests that sales of alternatively-fuelled vehicles (AFVs, which cover both pure electric and electric hybrids) could overtake diesel sales as early as May 2019. The decline in combustion engine vehicles has prompted discussion about the impact on the exchequer, with road pricing a possibility.