The UK’s new car market recorded its strongest June performance since 2019, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Registrations rose by 6.7% year-on-year to 191,316 units, marking the second consecutive month of growth across the country.

The positive June results helped lift performance across the first half of 2025 to 3.5% above the same period last year. However, the market still lags 17.9% behind pre-pandemic levels, showing there’s still some way to go in a full recovery.

Wales Registers a Dip

Despite strong nationwide growth, the picture in Wales was less encouraging, with 5,818 new cars registered in June, representing a 4.17% decrease on the same month last year. This figure also sits 14.4% behind June 2019 levels, underlining the region’s slower return to form.

Fleet Sales Lead the Way

Much of the UK-wide growth was driven by fleet demand, which increased by 8.5% to 114,841 units. In contrast, private retail demand rose more modestly at 5.9%, totalling 71,616 units – just under four in 10 new car sales. Business registrations, however, declined -15.8%, reflecting wider economic caution and uncertainty.

Electric Vehicle Sales Surge – But at a Cost

Electric vehicles (EVs) continued their upward trajectory, with battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations jumping by 39.1% to 47,354 units – making up 24.8% of the market. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) also performed well, up 28.8%, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) saw an 8.5% decline.

Combined, electrified vehicles now account for 48.5% of all new registrations. Petrol and diesel models, though still making up just over half the market at 51.6%, are in clear long-term decline.

Despite the promising EV growth, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes warns that the figures are being propped up by substantial manufacturer discounting, totalling £6.5 billion over the past 18 months. He stressed that without greater government incentives, the UK may fall short of its 28% BEV mandate for 2025, with current share sitting at 21.6%.

Industry Leaders Call for Action

A recent SMMT survey of industry leaders revealed that 55% of automotive CEOs believe the UK is significantly behind target to meet its 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel-only car sales.

Proposed solutions include:

  • Removing Battery Electric Vehicles from the Expensive Car Supplement (ECS)

  • Reducing VAT on EVs and public charging

  • Introducing stronger purchase incentives for private buyers

Without such measures, leaders argue, the transition to zero-emission motoring – and the UK’s broader climate ambitions – could be under serious threat.

Top 10 Best-Selling Cars in June 2025

  1. Nissan Qashqai

  2. Ford Puma

  3. Tesla Model Y

  4. Vauxhall Corsa

  5. MG HS

  6. Tesla Model 3

  7. Kia Sportage

  8. Volkswagen T-Roc

  9. Nissan Juke

  10. Peugeot 2008

Want to know which of June’s best-sellers is worth your money?
Visit Cornered.co.uk for in-depth car reviews, honest opinions, and expert insights into the UK’s top-selling models – including BEVs, hybrids, and traditional petrol favourites.