New car registrations in the UK fell by 9% in July as global supply shortages and Covid-19 lockdowns meant manufacturers struggled to fulfil orders, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Registrations totalled 112,162 units in July, down from 123,296 in July 2021. The SMMT said it was the fifth consecutive month of decline this year, but the smallest drop in 2022 so far.
The ongoing semiconductor shortage and supply issues contributed to the drop, according to the SMMT. Supply shortages were further exacerbated by Covid-19 lockdowns in major manufacturing countries such as China.
Large fleet registrations were hit most significantly, down 18.2%
