The new car market is set for a strong month ahead, according to the latest data from Auto Trader, which has recorded a significant rise in consumer interest in brand new vehicles.
Visits to its new car platform rose 15% month-on-month (MoM) in February and saw a massive 23% year-on-year (YoY) increase, marking a record-breaking start to the year. With motorists preparing for the arrival of the highly anticipated ‘25’ number plates in March, new car demand is at its highest for this period.
As March – the biggest new car sales month – approaches, manufacturers are ramping up incentives to attract buyers, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) market. While average discounts on new EVs dipped slightly from 11.3% in January to 10.8% in February, overall new car discounts edged up from 8.8% to 9%.
With the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate increasing to 28% this year, further EV price reductions are expected in the coming weeks as brands encourage buyers to switch ahead of the 2030 petrol and diesel ban.
Alongside these discounts, retailers are strategically positioning themselves by increasing new car listings. February saw a 3% MoM and 20% YoY increase in new car stock advertised on Auto Trader.
MG continues to dominate the EV market, with its crossover SUV, the MG ZS, becoming February’s most in-demand new electric vehicle, generating 8% of all EV enquiries on Auto Trader. The MG4, last year’s most sought-after EV, secured second place with 6.6% of enquiries, followed by the premium Porsche Macan (4.2%).
MG also retained its top position among most popular new electric car brands, securing 15.1% of all EV enquiries, ahead of Mini (7.8%) and BMW (4.2%). Notably, Chinese manufacturer BYD (5.4%) continues to gain traction, benefiting from increased awareness following its Euro 2024 sponsorship and the launch of several new models.
Auto Trader’s Road to 2030 report highlights a shift in consumer perception, with two in five UK buyers now open to purchasing a Chinese electric vehicle, particularly among younger drivers aged 17-34.
Beyond the EV market, Land Rover’s Range Rover retained its title as February’s most in-demand new car, securing 4.4% of all enquiries. The Volkswagen Golf (4.2%) followed closely behind, while the Range Rover Sport (3.4%) took third place.
Land Rover also reclaimed its position as the UK’s most in-demand new car brand (14.3% share of enquiries), overtaking BMW (13%), with Volkswagen (8%) completing the top three.
As demand for new cars surges and manufacturers compete with compelling offers, March is shaping up to be a pivotal month for the UK’s automotive industry.
Bex Kennett, new car performance director at Auto Trader commented: “Although it’s been a somewhat lacklustre start to the new car market in 2025, it’s very encouraging to see a record number of visits to our new car platform this month, suggesting consumers are getting set to buy their brand new 25 plate car.
“Our data shows that both retailers and manufacturers are also putting themselves in the very best position to capitalise, not only accelerating their offers, but importantly making sure their new car stock is in front of the UK’s largest audience of in-market car buyers. We’ll be monitoring the data closely over the coming weeks, but we hope March proves to be a very successful trading month for all retailers.”
