Key information about United Kingdom Motor Vehicle Sales: Passenger Cars

• United Kingdom Motor Vehicle Sales: Passenger Cars was reported at 1,903,054.000 Unit in Dec 2023.
• This records an increase from the previous number of 1,614,063.000 Unit for Dec 2022.
• UK Motor Vehicle Sales: Passenger Cars data is updated yearly, averaging 2,264,737.000 Unit from Dec 2005 to 2023, with 19 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 2,692,786.000 Unit in 2016 and a record low of 1,614,063.000 Unit in 2022.
• UK Motor Vehicle Sales: Passenger Cars data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Automobile Sector – Table RA.OICA.MVS: Motor Vehicle Sales: by Country and Type: Passenger Car (PC).

Concerning the **** selected segments, the segment Ford has the largest number of vehicle sales with ******* vehicles. Contrastingly, Kia is ranked last, with ****** vehicles. Their difference, compared to Ford, lies at ******* vehicles. Find more statistics on other topics: a comparison of the number of vehicle sales by make in Estonia and a comparison of the number of vehicle sales by make in Lithuania. The Statista Market Insights cover a broad range of additional markets.

Key information about United Kingdom Motor Vehicles Sales Growth

• United Kingdom Motor Vehicles Sales grew 16.5 % in Dec 2023, compared with a decrease of 5.1 % in the previous year.
• UK Motor Vehicles Sales Growth rate is updated yearly, available from Dec 2006 to Dec 2023, with an average growth rate of 1.1 %.
• The data reached an all-time high of 16.5 % in Dec 2023 and a record low of -28.2 % in Dec 2020.
• Car Sales of UK recorded 2,263,666.0 units in Dec 2023.

Worldwide car sales grew to around 78 million automobiles in 2024, up from around 75.3 million units in 2023. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the sector experienced a downward trend on the back of a slowing global economy, while COVID-19 and the Russian war on Ukraine contributed to shortages in the automotive semiconductor industry and further supply chain disruptions in 2022. Despite these challenges, 2023 and 2024 sales surpassed pre-pandemic levels and are forecast to keep rising through 2025. Covid-19 hits car demand It had been estimated pre-pandemic that international car sales were on track to reach 80 million. While 2023 sales are still far away from that goal, this was the first year were car sales exceeded pre-pandemic values. The automotive market faced various challenges in 2023, including supply shortages, automotive layoffs, and strikes in North America. However, despite these hurdles, the North American market was among the fastest-growing regions in 2024, along with Eastern Europe and Asia, as auto sales in these regions increased year-on-year. Chinese market recovers After years of double-digit growth, China's economy began to lose steam in 2022, and recovery has been slow through 2023. China was the largest automobile market based on sales with around 25.8 million units in 2023. However, monthly car sales in China were in free-fall in April 2022 partly due to shortages, fears over a looming recession, and the country grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. By June of that same year, monthly sales in China were closer to those recorded in 2021.

The United Kingdom: New passenger car sales, numbers per year: The latest value from 2024 is 1952778 passenger cars, an increase from 1903054 passenger cars in 2023. In comparison, the world average is 1139349 passenger cars, based on data from 57 countries. Historically, the average for the United Kingdom from 2005 to 2024 is 2168330 passenger cars. The minimum value, 1614063 passenger cars, was reached in 2022 while the maximum of 2692786 passenger cars was recorded in 2016.

Most used car sales in the United Kingdom in 2021 took place in the South East region of England, where just under *** million used passenger cars were sold. This was a year-over-year increase of around *** percent compared to sales in the South East in 2020.

Concerning the *** selected segments, the segment SUVs has the largest number of vehicle sales by make with ******* vehicles. Contrastingly, Luxury Cars is ranked last, with ***** vehicles. Their difference, compared to SUVs, lies at ******* vehicles. Find other insights concerning similar markets and segments, such as a ranking of subsegments in Greece regarding volume share of different fuel types in the Passenger Cars market as a whole and a ranking of subsegments in Germany regarding volume share of different fuel types in the Passenger Cars market as a whole. The Statista Market Insights cover a broad range of additional markets.

Key information about United Kingdom Motor Vehicle Sales: Commercial Cars

• United Kingdom Motor Vehicle Sales: Commercial Cars was reported at 360,612.000 Unit in Dec 2023.
• This records an increase from the previous number of 329,509.000 Unit for Dec 2022.
• UK Motor Vehicle Sales: Commercial Cars data is updated yearly, averaging 366,590.000 Unit from Dec 2005 to 2023, with 19 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 430,969.000 Unit in 2016 and a record low of 227,543.000 Unit in 2009.
• UK Motor Vehicle Sales: Commercial Cars data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Automobile Sector – Table RA.OICA.MVS: Motor Vehicle Sales: by Country and Type: Commercial Vehicle (CV).

The Online Car Dealers and Automotive Goods Retailers industry revenue is expected to fall at a compound annual rate of 0.8% to £3.1 billion over the five years through 2024-25, including a forecast drop of 2.9% in 2024-25. The online car dealers and automotive goods retailers industry initially thrived during the pandemic due to lockdown periods restricting physical dealership visits, prompting consumers to turn to online car platforms for safety, which was highlighted by Cazoo's spectacular growth. However, as normalcy returned, demand waned, leading to Cazoo's eventual administration in May 2024. Economic challenges, including inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, have further strained sales, prompting online dealers to diversify offerings to stabilize revenue. Despite these setbacks, increased internet usage has compelled traditional dealerships like Auto Trader and Pendragon to enhance their digital presence, intensifying industry competition. As a result, major retailers are focusing on digital marketing to capture a broader customer base. Over the five years through 2029-30, revenue is expected to rise at a compound annual rate of 0.2% to reach £3.2 billion. Following a pandemic-induced surge, the online car dealers and automotive goods retailers industry has seen declining demand as consumers revert to traditional in-person dealerships for test drives and personalised services. The initial boost in online sales, driven by lockdowns and safety concerns, has waned post-pandemic. Cazoo's administration in May 2024 illustrates the industry's struggles, as high operational costs and dwindling demand challenge sustainability. The future performance of online retailers remains uncertain, as the tangible buying experience offered by traditional dealerships continues to attract consumers, questioning the long-term viability of online-only models. However, parts sales will continue flourishing as they offer convenience and do not require as much inspection as cars, driving the industry forward.

Globally, Japan's Honda Group sold about 4.1 million automobiles in its 2024 fiscal year, which is about 11.4 percent lower than the previous year. Additionally, the group sold around 18.8 million motorcycles and 3.8 million other products that year. Honda’s car sales Honda, one of the largest conglomerates in the world, produced around 20.4 trillion Japanese yen in revenue in the 2024 fiscal year, around 20.8 percent more than in the previous year. Regional sales In the fiscal year of 2024, most of Honda's automobile sales occurred in the United States, Japan, and China. While the automobile market in the United States was still dealing with low inventory-to-sale ratios, Honda managed to sell over 337,500 vehicles to U.S. customers in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Graph and download economic data for Production, Sales, Work Started and Orders: Passenger Car Registrations: Economic Activity: Wholesale and Retail Trade and Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles for United Kingdom (GBRSACRMISMEI) from Jan 1957 to Apr 2024 about car registrations and United Kingdom.

A lack of investment has pushed the UK Motor Vehicle Manufacturing industry into decline in 2020-21. Engine production is inching downwards as the industry struggles to attract investment due to higher EU production and multinationals seeking to be part of an integrated EU supply chain to reduce costs. The pandemic deepened the industry's troubles – output dropped by 29.3% in 2020, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders – and recovery has been challenging. Motor vehicle producers have also been plagued by semiconductor shortages and supply chain issues, which have elevated production costs, squeezing their returns. Petrol and diesel vehicle output is falling and carmakers have shifted their focus to electric vehicles, breathing new life into the automotive sector. Car makers’ revenue is forecast to rise at a compound annual rate of 6.7% over the five years through 2025-26 to £73.9 billion, including a revenue drop of 1.5% in 2025-26, when the average profit margin will be 5.4%. This represents an expansion over the five years through 2025-26 as steel and input prices drop.

There’s a glimmer of hope – hybrid and pure electric vehicle sales are rising, both at home and abroad, pushing output at factories. Output climbed in 2023, driven by a resurgence in exports of electric and hybrid cars to the EU. Manufacturers produced 905,117 car units in 2023. However, output dropped to 779,584 units in 2024 because of the transition to electric vehicles. Manufacturers are passing on higher production costs and luxury vehicle sales are driving profit. Production is set to remain high in 2025 and most car makers passing on higher prices is set to limit revenue decline.

To plot a path to recovery, car manufacturers will focus on making alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) in response to the UK’s ban on selling new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2035. However, demand for AFVs is currently weak, threatening the industry’s growth potential. Some carmakers are questioning their future in the UK unless the government does more to drive up demand for electric vehicles. The government has poured more money into building electric charge points to boost uptake, but has withdrawn subsidies for buying electric cars. Still, electric vehicles are likely to dominate the market in the long term, as public and private efforts are increasingly focused on net-zero policies. Revenue is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 1.4% over the five years through 2030-31, reaching £79.3 billion.

The United Kingdom Car Market is Segmented by Vendor Type (Organized and Unorganized), Vehicle Age (0-2 Years, 3-5 Years, and More), Fuel Type (Petrol, Diesel, and More), Body Type (Hatchback, Sedan, and More), and Sales Channel (Online, and More), Ownership (First-Owner, and More), Price Band (Less Than USD 7, 000, and More) and Geography. The Market Sizes and Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Units).

In 2024, Ford was the second most popular car brand in the United Kingdom after Volkswagen. The Detroit-based company sold some ******* vehicles in the UK and reached a market share of about *** percent that year. Volkswagen held some *** percent of the market. Ford in the United Kingdom Brexit casts its shadow over the auto industry, and hence, the company decided to shut down its plant in Bridgend, adding on to the growing list of automakers in the process of ceasing operations at car production plants in the United Kingdom. That said, the Ford Motor Company will remain present in the United Kingdom, continuing to operate an engine plant in Dagenham. Car sales in the United Kingdom were down ** percent in May 2020, due to closed dealerships and consumer spending uncertainty amid the coronavirus pandemic. By the end of December 2020, UK car sales were down by almost eleven percent compared with 2019.

The UK used car market, valued at £126.78 million in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.70% from 2025 to 2033. This surge is driven by several factors. Increasing vehicle affordability compared to new cars, particularly in the face of economic uncertainty and rising new car prices, fuels demand. The shift towards online car purchasing platforms offers convenience and transparency, broadening market reach and accelerating sales. Furthermore, the evolving preferences for specific body types – SUVs and MPVs currently demonstrating strong growth – influence market segmentation. Government initiatives promoting electric vehicles (EVs) are also gradually impacting the fuel type segment, albeit with a slower adoption rate than anticipated due to charging infrastructure limitations and higher initial costs. However, the market faces challenges. Fluctuations in used car prices due to supply chain issues and inflation remain a significant restraint, alongside concerns about the environmental impact of increased used car sales. The growth of the organized sector, represented by large dealerships and online platforms like Cazoo and Auto Trader, is gradually squeezing out smaller, unorganized players. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with both established players like Arnold Clark Automobiles and Constellation Automotive Group, and rapidly growing online marketplaces like Cinch Cars vying for market share. The diverse range of sales channels – online and offline – offers consumers choice, contributing to market expansion. Future market growth will likely depend on the pace of EV adoption, the continued improvement of online car buying experiences, and the overall economic health of the UK. The consistent growth trajectory suggests that the used car market remains a significant sector of the UK economy, offering numerous opportunities for both established players and new entrants, provided they can navigate the challenges effectively. Successful strategies will likely involve a blend of robust online presence, competitive pricing, and a focus on addressing customer concerns about vehicle history and reliability. This report provides a detailed analysis of the United Kingdom used car market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. It examines market size, growth drivers, challenges, and emerging trends, offering invaluable insights for industry stakeholders. With a focus on key segments like online sales, electric vehicles, and the rise of organized vendors, this report is essential for businesses looking to navigate the dynamic UK used car landscape. The base year for this report is 2025, with estimations for 2025 and a forecast period extending to 2033. The historical period analyzed is 2019-2024. Millions of units are used throughout to represent market size. Recent developments include: August 2023: Cazoo, the British online auto marketplace, released positive financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2023. This comes after the strategic decision to exit European businesses, focusing exclusively on its home turf in the United Kingdom. The move appears to have yielded favorable outcomes, contributing to the upbeat financial performance reported by Cazoo during this period.. Key drivers for this market are: Increased Travel and Tourism to Fuel Market Demand. Potential restraints include: High Maintenance cost of RV Rental Fleets. Notable trends are: The Offline Segment is Expected to Hold Major Share in the Market.

New Passenger Car Registrations YoY in the United Kingdom increased to 13.70 percent in September from -2 percent in August of 2025. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for the United Kingdom New Passenger Car Registrations YoY.

Key information about United Kingdom Motor Vehicles Sales

• United Kingdom Motor Vehicles Sales recorded 2,263,666 units in Dec 2023, compared with 1,943,572 units in the previous year.
• UK Motor Vehicles Sales is updated yearly, available from 2005 to 2023, with an averaged number of 2,595,713 units.
• The data reached an all-time high of 3,123,755 units in Dec 2016 and a record low of 1,943,572 units in Dec 2022.
• In the latest reports, Retail Sales of UK dropped 2 % YoY in May 2023.

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UK Used Car Market Size 2025-2029

The uk used car market size is forecast to increase by USD 39.5 billion, at a CAGR of 6.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The Used Car Market in the UK is driven by the excellent value for money proposition that pre-owned vehicles offer, making them an attractive alternative to new cars for many consumers. Another significant trend shaping the market is the increasing preference for car subscription services, which provide flexibility and convenience for customers. However, the market also faces challenges, including the growing importance of digital touchpoints in the car buying process and the need for dealers to adapt and improve their online presence. Additionally, the rise of car subscription services poses a threat to traditional dealership models, requiring dealers to explore new business models and revenue streams to remain competitive. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively should focus on enhancing their digital presence, offering flexible and convenient purchasing options, and exploring partnerships with car subscription services.

What will be the size of the UK Used Car Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The used car market in the UK is influenced by various factors, including the exterior and interior condition of the vehicles, financial history, economic trends, and consumer demand. Financially sound buyers prefer cars with well-maintained exteriors and interiors, ensuring lower car ownership costs in the long run. Economic trends, such as inflation and interest rates, impact car financing options and vehicle affordability. Maintaining a vehicle's fuel consumption within acceptable limits and adhering to the vehicle maintenance schedule is crucial for reliable performance and resale value. Financial institutions consider a vehicle's title, accident history, and service records when assessing car financing options. Emerging technologies, such as electric vehicles and autonomous driving, are transforming the industry, while insurance coverage, safety ratings, and vehicle age & mileage remain essential factors in consumer decision-making. Previous owners, engine size & type, transmission options, and vehicle features & equipment also influence consumer preferences. Car repair costs, loan terms, car financing options, and industry innovations contribute to market volatility. Registration documents, vehicle history records, and insurance coverage are essential for transparency and trust. Understanding the impact of these factors on car ownership costs is crucial for businesses operating in the UK used car market.

How is this market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. ChannelOrganizedUnorganizedVehicle TypeCompact carSUVMid sizeSales ChannelDealershipsOnline PlatformsPrivate SalesFuel TypePetrolDieselHybridElectricGeographyEuropeUK

By Channel Insights

The organized segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The used car market in the UK is characterized by various entities that influence its dynamics and trends. Depreciation and car insurance premiums are significant factors that impact the affordability of used cars. Safety features, a priority for consumers, are increasingly being incorporated into used vehicles through refinishing and upgrades. Car rental companies offer flexible mobility solutions, while automotive technology advances drive the adoption of vehicle diagnostics and digital car retailing. Used car dealerships and online marketplaces facilitate transactions with vehicle inspections, mileage verification, and consumer reviews. Sustainable transportation initiatives and online payment systems are shaping the market, as are car leasing agreements, price elasticity, and inflation rates. Fuel efficiency, car finance options, and driving assistance systems are key considerations for buyers. Government incentives and emissions standards influence consumer spending patterns, with a growing interest in alternative fuel vehicles and hybrid car technology. Fleet management services and car maintenance costs are essential services for businesses and individuals alike. Industry regulations and consumer protection laws ensure transparency and trust in the market. Used car warranty, customer satisfaction ratings, and brand reputation are crucial factors for buyers. The market share dynamics of organized companies, including dealership chains, online marketplaces, and OEM-affiliated dealerships, are shaped by their ability to provide guarantees, technical expertise, and