UK’s colourful new car market has one firm favourite
It’s often said people are creatures of habit and that certainly bears out in the UK’s new car market with grey proving the most popular car colour for the seventh year. More than a quarter of all new cars registered in Britain last year, some 543,464, were picked in the shade – a higher volume than ever – while black once again came in second place, commanding a fifth of demand. And yet there are a multitude of colours and options available, with cars registered in more than 90 different colours, including various hues of blue, red, green, yellow and orange, all of which featured in the top 10.
Customers want something that reflects their tastes and personalities, as well as their needs. A breadth of choice is crucial for a thriving market, therefore, a breadth which also includes powertrains and models. Indeed, manufacturers have invested heavily to offer a range of ever lower and zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) that suit all driving needs so that, in addition to conventionally powered vehicles, there are now more than 130 different electric car models – and over 30 such vans – to choose from.
While that immense product diversity can encourage more purchases, Britain’s ZEV ambitions remain ahead of natural market demand, such that manufacturers had to take an additional £4.5bn hit in discounts in order to meet mandated targets last year. Indeed, just as grey remains the top tint, petrol is still the most popular powertrain. A viable approach is urgently needed, therefore, to move the dial in 2025, requiring substantial efforts by government and all stakeholders.
Delivering the ZEV transition is a challenge felt globally, such is the international nature of our industry and, as we have seen with the inauguration of new US president Donald Trump this week, the global landscape can change quickly. But that also means opportunities are emerging and SMMT is supporting members to seize them. This week SMMT supported a Department of Business and Trade mission to Bharat Mobility Expo in New Delhi, with a number of UK companies exhibiting on a dedicated UK pavilion. With India on the cusp of a transition to lower and zero emission vehicles, one that will take a number of years and involve a variety of technological solutions, now is the time for UK automotive companies to visit and unearth new business partnerships.
Britain has close automotive ties with many countries thanks to decades of sector collaboration, on which we must build for mutual benefit. Indeed, forging strong connections today will help strategically position the UK for the global – and green – growth that automotive so desperately needs.
