Desire for EVs will drive 2022 car sales

February’s weak new car sales figures mask pent-up demand among consumers, says Ian Plummer

UK new car registrations rose by 15.0% in February as 58,994 new cars joined Britain’s roads, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The rise of 7,682 units was in comparison with the same month in 2021, when the pandemic shut car showrooms across the UK.

These figures paint a picture of a weak new car market, but looks can be deceiving. If you peek under the bonnet, there are all the signs of pent-up demand that could really set the...