Car registrations fell 36% in February to their lowest level in 62 years

New car registrations fell to their lowest level in 62 years in February, industry figures confirmed this morning.

A total of only 51,312 new models were purchased last month. This is the lowest since 1959 – the year the original Mini went on sale.

The month was a 36 percent year-over-year drop in vehicle registrations, with February 2020 being the last month of last year hit by coronavirus restrictions.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the decline was “deeply disappointing but expected”.

Worst February for car sales in 62 years: just over 51,000 new models were registered last month. This is the lowest level since 1959 – when the original Mini first hit the market (inset).

The figures show that 28,282 new cars were registered last month, compared to February a year ago.

As amazing as the numbers look, the sales results aren’t surprising.

Auto showrooms have been closed nationwide since January 5 as part of the latest lockdown measures, putting a significant strain on car dealers.

While dealerships are still able to sell vehicles online and complete transactions with click-and-collect handovers, demand in both the private and fleet sectors declined 37 percent and 34 percent, respectively.

The figures show that 28,282 new cars were registered last month, compared to February a year ago

Alec Issigonis, the designer of the Mini, came up with the first production model in 1959. Auto sales fell to their lowest level since this year in February, according to SMMT statistics

The only light in the statistics released on Thursday is the continued growth of electric vehicles.

Sales of all-electric cars – referred to in the report as battery electric vehicles – rose 40 percent to a total of 3,516 units.

Plug-in hybrid registrations also rose 52 percent, with 3,131 purchases last month.

However, the increasing introduction of these new technologies to the level required by 2030 remains a “mammoth task,” warned the trade authority – especially because no new measures or support measures for the industry to accelerate the transition from new gasoline and diesel cars were presented in yesterday’s budget -transporters, the sale of which will be banned from 2030.

Mike Hawes, general manager of SMMT, said February was “traditionally a small month for license plates,” and with showrooms being closed permanently, the decline was not a shock.

However, Hawes is more concerned that the prolonged dealership closings through March will stifle the sector’s recovery.

Traditionally, around every fifth new engine bought every year is bought in March, as a new registration number is received that month – the registration number “21”.

Unsurprisingly, showrooms were closed for all of February and private auto sales shrank by more than a third

March is traditionally the most lucrative month for traders. Shoppers flock to showrooms to get their hands on models with the latest license plates. Every fifth new model bought each year is bought in March, although sales will be stifled in 2021

Industry commentators say the forced shutdown of the showroom by April 12th in the fourth month could result in a sales boom, driven by pent-up demand in March. This is usually the most popular time to buy a new car

With dealers being forced to keep their doors locked to customers until April 12, registrations in March 2021 are expected to be far lower than industry insiders would have hoped if shoppers could enter a showroom.

With forecast lower sales in March, SMMT announced that it has revised its market outlook from 1.89 million in January to 1.83 million new registrations in 2021. Most of these losses are expected to occur in March.

After expressing expectations for a slower February than 2020, Hawes said: “More worryingly, these closings have stifled dealers’ preparations for March, with the expectation that this is now a third bleak new record month in a row will be.”

‘While we have a way out of the restrictions with the rapid adoption of vaccines and the proven experience of operating Click and Collect, it is important that the showrooms reopen as soon as possible in order for the industry to better rebuild and reduce the loss can make up for 23 billion pounds from last year. ‘

Sue Robinson, executive director of the National Franchised Dealers Association, says retailers will continue to be buoyant around 2021 despite a slower March

Sue Robinson, executive director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) said retailers remained buoyant despite a slower March.

“Looking ahead to the future, dealers are optimistic with the showrooms reopening soon and significant pent-up demand,” she said.

“Record Change Month will be incentivized for consumers and demand has increased significantly. This is based on industry data suggesting that many car buyers are waiting for dealers to reopen to complete their purchases.”

Michael Woodward, UK automotive leader at Deloitte, echoed the NFDA’s optimism when he commented on February sales.

He said: “The showrooms are slated to reopen on April 12, albeit with social distancing measures. The combination of pent-up demand and a clearer roadmap outside of lockdown has boosted consumer confidence. We expect a significant increase in sales as soon as the doors of the showroom are reopened and dealers and manufacturers are faced with managing demand.

“Much of the pent-up demand will be due to the demand for new plates, which can usually be seen in March. While this will have a positive impact on April sales, the loss in sales in March could have an impact on cash flow and planning for the industry. ‘