The Nissan Qashqai was the most popular model added to UK car fleets, with nearly 29,200 unit sales in 2023. That year, the MG HS was ranked fifth with around 23,200 units of fleet car sales.

This statistic shows the number of cars sold to fleets by the main car brands in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2018. Vauxhall, Ford and VW were the leading three brands of this ranking, with numbers reaching approximately ***** thousand, ***** thousand and ***** thousand, respectively.

In 2023, some ******* new electric cars were registered in the United Kingdom. This was a year-over-year increase of **** percent compared to 2022 and over double the sales recorded in 2020. Overall, electric vehicle sales have steadily grown since 2015. A growing electric vehicle market and fleet Electric vehicles have been gaining market share in the United Kingdom. Since 2021, battery-electric vehicles overtook diesel vehicles and have been the second most popular fuel type in the country through 2022. The South East was the region of England with the largest electric car market, at around ****** new registrations in 2022, followed by the North West and South West. This increase in sales translates to a sharp rise in the UK electric vehicle fleet, which surpassed *********** units in 2022. Most of the vehicles in the electric car parc were battery-electric. Charging infrastructure and its challenges While the UK electric car fleet is steadily growing, the public charging infrastructure has also been on the rise. By July 2023, there were over ****** publicly available charging points in the United Kingdom. However, most of these chargers were alternating current chargers, which were typically slower than their direct current counterparts. Accessibility is also one of the leading hurdles for the UK charging network. Most public charging points were destination charging, typically located at the end of a driver's journey in areas such as retail car parks or education areas, and were not open around the clock, which presents challenges in how electric vehicle owners can recharge their vehicles without turning to private home charging.

This statistic displays the number of car registrations in the United Kingdom (UK) for the years 2000 to 2018, by sales type. In 2018, the number of registrations for cars bought in a fleet amounted to 1.2 million units.

Snapshot img

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.
Request Free Sample

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

The European Motor Vehicle Wholesaling and Retailing industry’s revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.6% over the five years through 2025 to €1,461.3 billion, with a projected hike of 2.2% in 2025. In 2023, the EU car market showed clear signs of recovery. According to ACEA data, EU car sales rose by 13.9% from 2022 levels, reaching around 10.5 million units for the year. However, in 2024, the growth slowed considerably, notching up just a modest rise of 0.8%. This surge in car sales boosted profitability for many car dealers. Although electric vehicles are increasingly popular, many people still opt for petrol cars due to lower upfront costs and easier refuelling access than charging an EV, as highlighted by data from Jato Dynamics showing new electric cars in Europe cost 22% more than similar petrol equivalents. Petrol models also remain cheaper to manufacture and maintain because simpler powertrains lessen exposure to rising raw material prices like lithium, which has averaged around €8,848 per tonne in 2024 according to London Metal Exchange figures. Car wholesalers and retailers are responding to higher electric vehicle prices by maintaining attractive petrol portfolios. They're also offering affordable mild-hybrid options as a practical bridge for buyers concerned about EV costs. This helps businesses capture short-term sales and addresses consumer hesitation around investing in pricier electric vehicles. European governments are increasing their efforts to cut emissions in line with climate agreement targets. Zero- and low-emission zones are becoming widespread in European city centres, which restrict the entry of high-polluting vehicles. Governments are incentivising the uptake of electric vehicles by offering subsidies and zero tax on new purchases. The sale of new diesel and petrol cars will be banned in many countries (2030 in the UK, 2035 in the EU), encouraging people and fleet owners to switch to an electric vehicle for their next purchase. Over the five years through 2030, revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 5.8% to reach €1,934.5 billion. Connected cars will also be a focus for many dealers, as infotainment systems become widely demanded by customers.

Measure success and launch the best sales strategy with a clear view of market activity.

As market leader for fleet information, we provide you with the best data on over 40 countries.

We provide a unique, in-depth view of market segments and distinguish among fleets according to size and type of vehicles.

To polish the accurate representation of relevant fleets, we subdivide the market into leasing companies, car dealerships and manufacturers. These distinctions give you quicker and easier access to this increasingly important market segment in the automobile industry. Precision data permits a realistic assessment of the entire market.

Data sourced for all European countries with following details. - New vehicles registrations or parc for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles and HCV's. - sourced from official registrations offices - Used for Sales performance tracking and market potential definition

Where are the cars actually registered? Are the smallest fleets significant for my target customers? What is my direct competitor doing …? Are they influenced by commercial vehicle registrations?

This statistic represents the percentage of cars registered in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2014 to 2019 according to their sales type. The share of new cars sold in fleets, i.e. in large numbers, dominates the sales types for the period in consideration. In 2019, 53.3 percent of the newly registered cars were fleet. Business sales presented a trend of decline throughout the years recorded, falling from 4.8 to 2.6 percent of new registrations.

Discover the booming UK electric car market! Explore our in-depth analysis revealing market size, growth projections, key players, and future trends. Learn about the impact of government incentives, technological advancements, and consumer behavior on this rapidly evolving sector. Recent developments include: November 2023: Ford motors and manufacturers 2030 have entered into a strategic Partnerships to help its suppliers achieve their CO2 reduction targets in line with Ford Motor Co.'s global objective of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.August 2023: Toyota Argentina announced that as it begins production of the Hiace in 2024 at its plant in Zárate, it will continue and enlarge the mission of the Conversions area, dedicated to designing and producing vehicles adapted to the specific needs of multiple customers.August 2023: The Dubai Police Department has placed an electric Mercedes EQS 580 on its fleet of luxury cars and environmentally conscious vehicles to patrol the streets.. Key drivers for this market are: Used Car Financing To Continue Solving Consumer Challenges In Indonesia. Potential restraints include: Trust And Transparency In Used Car Remained A Key Challenge For Consumers. Notable trends are: OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT.

Annual new registrations for SUZUKI vehicles in the United Kingdom, derived from DVLA data as presented on HowRareIsMyCar.co.uk.

The total electric car parc of the United Kingdom reached over **** million vehicles as of the fourth quarter of 2023. This was a year-over-year increase of ** percent compared to the near **** million electric vehicles recorded in 2022. Similarities with the European market The UK's electric vehicle car parc comprised mostly battery-electric vehicles, relying solely on electric propulsion. This trend was boosted by rising battery-electric vehicle sales, which have been higher than their plug-in hybrid electric counterpart since 2019. This is in line with the overall European market, where battery-electric vehicles tend to record higher sales volumes in many national markets. As of 2022, the UK was among the leading European and global electric vehicle markets, ranking fifth in the world by electric vehicle revenue, and is projected to remain one of the market leaders through 2028. Opportunities for automakers In August 2022, around ** percent of consumers in the United Kingdom reported being likely to change their vehicle brand when switching to an electric vehicle. This creates opportunities for automakers to enter the United Kingdom's electric vehicle market. In 2023, Tesla held around ** percent of the UK's battery-electric market, about ***** percent higher than the share of MG, which was second in the ranking.

The European Motor Vehicle Wholesaling and Retailing industry’s revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.6% over the five years through 2025 to €1,461.3 billion, with a projected hike of 2.2% in 2025. In 2023, the EU car market showed clear signs of recovery. According to ACEA data, EU car sales rose by 13.9% from 2022 levels, reaching around 10.5 million units for the year. However, in 2024, the growth slowed considerably, notching up just a modest rise of 0.8%. This surge in car sales boosted profitability for many car dealers. Although electric vehicles are increasingly popular, many people still opt for petrol cars due to lower upfront costs and easier refuelling access than charging an EV, as highlighted by data from Jato Dynamics showing new electric cars in Europe cost 22% more than similar petrol equivalents. Petrol models also remain cheaper to manufacture and maintain because simpler powertrains lessen exposure to rising raw material prices like lithium, which has averaged around €8,848 per tonne in 2024 according to London Metal Exchange figures. Car wholesalers and retailers are responding to higher electric vehicle prices by maintaining attractive petrol portfolios. They're also offering affordable mild-hybrid options as a practical bridge for buyers concerned about EV costs. This helps businesses capture short-term sales and addresses consumer hesitation around investing in pricier electric vehicles. European governments are increasing their efforts to cut emissions in line with climate agreement targets. Zero- and low-emission zones are becoming widespread in European city centres, which restrict the entry of high-polluting vehicles. Governments are incentivising the uptake of electric vehicles by offering subsidies and zero tax on new purchases. The sale of new diesel and petrol cars will be banned in many countries (2030 in the UK, 2035 in the EU), encouraging people and fleet owners to switch to an electric vehicle for their next purchase. Over the five years through 2030, revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 5.8% to reach €1,934.5 billion. Connected cars will also be a focus for many dealers, as infotainment systems become widely demanded by customers.

In 2024, around **** million motor vehicles were sold in the United Kingdom, down from its peak at around *** million units in 2016. Sales recovery does not match 2019 levels In 2024, the UK was the second-largest car market in Europe. New passenger car registrations had grown in the country in 2023, up to the highest volume recorded since their dramatic drop in 2020. However, amid Brexit, the automotive semiconductor shortage, raw material price inflation, and an overall cost of living crisis, the UK's automotive industry has faced various challenges and has yet to reach its pre-COVID-19 pandemic level. The impact of inflation on car purchases The United Kingdom recorded its highest inflation rate since the 1990s in 2022, a situation that marginally improved in 2023. And, in 2024, the average inflation rate dropped to **** percent. New cars were particularly impacted by the inflation, with their consumer price index being at its highest in the past 15 years in 2023. Despite the inflating prices, car purchasing intentions remained relatively stable based on surveys ending in September 2023 and September 2024, with around **** of UK residents reporting their intention of buying a car in the 12 months following the survey. This is, however, a positive development compared to purchase intentions reported in that same survey ending in September 2022.

In 2023, there were 1.90 million new passenger cars registered in the United Kingdom. This was an 18 percent increase compared to the previous year. The UK new car market has recorded its best year since the pandemic. The growth in 2023, was attributed to fleet investment, as the supply constraints of the previous year faded, thereby facilitating the fulfillment of accumulated demand. . What consumers want The most important feature British consumers were looking for in their new car was fuel efficiency. According to a 2023 Statista survey, some 56 percent of respondents reported this characteristic to be of importance to them when deciding on a new purchase. Vehicle safety, suitability for everyday use, low price, and high driving comfort were the features rounding off the top five. Total number of licensed cars The overall number of licensed cars in Great Britain came close to 32.2 million units in 2022, which marked a full recovery from the dip recorded in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost 31.9 million units were registered in Great Britain in 2019.

In 2022, Volkswagen led the ranking of the best-selling car brand in the United Kingdom (UK), with nearly 131,900 units sold that year. That said, Volkswagen car sales were down around 10.8 percent compared with last year's sales. Volkswagen was followed by Ford and Audi.

The future is electric
Volkswagen aims to phase out the sale of internal combustion engines (ICE) and switch to an all-electric passenger car line-up in Europe, which would represent 80 percent of its European sales in 2030. This trend seems to resonate well with car buyers in the UK. In 2022, Tesla's Model Y was the third most popular car model in the United Kingdom.

Electric car sales soar in Europe
Electric vehicle sales in Europe increased by around 15 percent between 2021 and 2022. The UK was Europe's second-largest electric car market in 2022, while Germany topped the ranking. Europe's powerhouse has a fleet of over one million all-electric vehicles as of 2022 and seems to have surpassed the United Kingdom both in terms of electric vehicle sales and battery manufacturing expertise. Tesla, Catl, and Volkswagen have all started investing in battery manufacturing in Germany.

The European Motor Vehicle Wholesaling and Retailing industry’s revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.6% over the five years through 2025 to €1,461.3 billion, with a projected hike of 2.2% in 2025. In 2023, the EU car market showed clear signs of recovery. According to ACEA data, EU car sales rose by 13.9% from 2022 levels, reaching around 10.5 million units for the year. However, in 2024, the growth slowed considerably, notching up just a modest rise of 0.8%. This surge in car sales boosted profitability for many car dealers. Although electric vehicles are increasingly popular, many people still opt for petrol cars due to lower upfront costs and easier refuelling access than charging an EV, as highlighted by data from Jato Dynamics showing new electric cars in Europe cost 22% more than similar petrol equivalents. Petrol models also remain cheaper to manufacture and maintain because simpler powertrains lessen exposure to rising raw material prices like lithium, which has averaged around €8,848 per tonne in 2024 according to London Metal Exchange figures. Car wholesalers and retailers are responding to higher electric vehicle prices by maintaining attractive petrol portfolios. They're also offering affordable mild-hybrid options as a practical bridge for buyers concerned about EV costs. This helps businesses capture short-term sales and addresses consumer hesitation around investing in pricier electric vehicles. European governments are increasing their efforts to cut emissions in line with climate agreement targets. Zero- and low-emission zones are becoming widespread in European city centres, which restrict the entry of high-polluting vehicles. Governments are incentivising the uptake of electric vehicles by offering subsidies and zero tax on new purchases. The sale of new diesel and petrol cars will be banned in many countries (2030 in the UK, 2035 in the EU), encouraging people and fleet owners to switch to an electric vehicle for their next purchase. Over the five years through 2030, revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 5.8% to reach €1,934.5 billion. Connected cars will also be a focus for many dealers, as infotainment systems become widely demanded by customers.

The European Motor Vehicle Wholesaling and Retailing industry’s revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.6% over the five years through 2025 to €1,461.3 billion, with a projected hike of 2.2% in 2025. In 2023, the EU car market showed clear signs of recovery. According to ACEA data, EU car sales rose by 13.9% from 2022 levels, reaching around 10.5 million units for the year. However, in 2024, the growth slowed considerably, notching up just a modest rise of 0.8%. This surge in car sales boosted profitability for many car dealers. Although electric vehicles are increasingly popular, many people still opt for petrol cars due to lower upfront costs and easier refuelling access than charging an EV, as highlighted by data from Jato Dynamics showing new electric cars in Europe cost 22% more than similar petrol equivalents. Petrol models also remain cheaper to manufacture and maintain because simpler powertrains lessen exposure to rising raw material prices like lithium, which has averaged around €8,848 per tonne in 2024 according to London Metal Exchange figures. Car wholesalers and retailers are responding to higher electric vehicle prices by maintaining attractive petrol portfolios. They're also offering affordable mild-hybrid options as a practical bridge for buyers concerned about EV costs. This helps businesses capture short-term sales and addresses consumer hesitation around investing in pricier electric vehicles. European governments are increasing their efforts to cut emissions in line with climate agreement targets. Zero- and low-emission zones are becoming widespread in European city centres, which restrict the entry of high-polluting vehicles. Governments are incentivising the uptake of electric vehicles by offering subsidies and zero tax on new purchases. The sale of new diesel and petrol cars will be banned in many countries (2030 in the UK, 2035 in the EU), encouraging people and fleet owners to switch to an electric vehicle for their next purchase. Over the five years through 2030, revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 5.8% to reach €1,934.5 billion. Connected cars will also be a focus for many dealers, as infotainment systems become widely demanded by customers.

In 2023, France recorded the highest number of light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales, with some ******* vehicles sold. This figure represents an increase of nearly *** percent from the previous year. The second-ranked UK sold some ******* units year-to-date, a rise of around ** percent year-on-year. Lithuania, Cyprus, and Denmark were the countries recording the steepest decline in sales year-over-year. Delivery vehicles provide a lifeline in times of crisis In 2020, light commercial vehicle sales slumped across Europe when the coronavirus pandemic brought parts of society to a standstill. Commercial vehicles are more likely to have a business-related customer base than cars. However, as online retail surged during the pandemic, the logistics industry emerged as a driver of light commercial vehicle demand. Europe’s second-largest light commercial vehicle market, the UK, saw record high registration figures in October 2020, with the Ford Transit Custom topping the charts as the best-selling light commercial vehicle in the UK. Electrifying the light commercial vehicle fleet Electric light commercial vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce the carbon emissions of the transportation industry. But passenger cars are electrified at a much faster rate than commercial vehicles. Major European manufacturers have indicated that model ranges will soon be available as fully electric. Electric vans are already cost competitive in some European nations. Norway is a world leader for the adoption of battery electric vehicles - the market share of plug-in LCVs in Norway doubled over the space of four years.

The number of vehicles on European roads, consumer and business sentiment and domestic tourism levels all influence garages' performance. The number of cars in the EU and the UK is rising, supporting sales of services related to vehicle wear and tear. However, a string of speed reduction policies in many European countries and a host of new tech is working to minimise the number and severity of collisions across the continent. According to recent data from the European Commission, road fatalities across the EU fell by 3% in 2024, with around 19,800 deaths recorded, a modest decrease from 2023. This slight reduction indicates that better vehicle safety features are making roads safer. As a result, fewer cars require repairs, which may lower demand for traditional engine repair services and reduce industry revenue to some extent. Yet, motor vehicle repair and maintenance services continue to enjoy strong demand across Europe. This steady growth comes largely because the EU passenger car fleet grew by 1.4% in 2023, reaching nearly 249 million vehicles, and the average van is now 12.7 years old. As vehicles age, they typically require more repairs and maintenance than newer models, which directly fuels revenue growth for the industry. Profit has increased over the years as demand for electric vehicle maintenance has shifted from traditional repairs to specialised services for battery systems and drivetrains. Over the five years through 2025, motor vehicle maintenance and repair shops' revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 1% to €272.3 billion, including an estimated 2.1% expansion in 2025. The average profit margin in 2025 is expected to be 12.9%. The shift to low-carbon transport will continue to drive sales of electric cars, presenting garages with an opportunity to train their mechanics to accommodate issues relating to batteries and electric drive trains. Garages that are early adopters of a specialism in electric vehicles will be positioned to become leaders in that segment and raise their profitability. The ageing European car fleet will continue to provide a steady revenue stream to garages as wear and tear-related issues become more frequent, as expected from older cars. Over the five years through 2030, revenue is projected to swell at a compound annual rate of 5.5% to reach €355.7 billion.