The UK car industry has hit out over a lack of incentives for households to purchase a new electric car after sales dipped among private buyers last month. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported a 21% lift in new car sales generally during September compared with the same month last year. It said that 272,610 vehicles were snapped up in total, with the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Puma leading the way in terms of the most popular models.
The SMMT had raised fears of a hit to demand for electric cars a fortnight ago, after the government delayed the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by five years. It argued that the decision undermined the investment placed in the battle against climate change by the car industry.