LONDON, December 6, Reuters -- British new car registrations last month were 1.7% higher than a year ago, but almost a third less than the average pre-pandemic level due to ongoing computer chip shortages, industry data showed on Monday.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said in November 115,706 new cars were registered, up from 113,781 in October but 31% less than their average in the five years running up to the Pandemic.
Positive performance is a reflection of the underlying weakness of the market. Demand is there with a slew of new, increasingly electrified models launched, but the global shortage of semiconductors continues to bedevil production, said Mike Hawes, the SMMT's chief executive.
Chip shortages were likely to continue into next year, he said.
Battery-powered electric cars made up 19 % of the market - twice as much as a year ago, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles made up 9%.
The SMMT called for the government to speed up its charging infrastructure roll out, saying there was one charger currently installed for every 52 new plug-in cars.