SMMT UK passenger car sales rise 7.2% in February 2026 as private demand strengthens

The latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders industry data shows that SMMT UK passenger car sales reached 90,100 units in February 2026, representing a 7.2% year-over-year increase and marking the strongest February performance since 2004. Although February traditionally sees lower volumes due to buyers waiting for the March number plate change, this year’s growth was largely supported by stronger private consumer demand.

In the first two months of 2026, cumulative registrations climbed 4.8% to 234,227 units, indicating steady momentum in the United Kingdom automotive market.

Brand performance across the UK market

Performance among major automakers varied significantly during February. Volkswagen recorded a decline of 11.5% with 7,104 units sold, capturing 7.9% of the market. Ford posted strong growth of 36.6% to reach 6,056 units and secure a 6.7% share.

BMW experienced a slight drop of 2.1% with sales totaling 4,623 units. Mercedes-Benz reported a strong rebound with a 33.9% increase to 4,538 units, while Audi registrations rose 17.2% to 4,522 units.

Among Asian manufacturers, Toyota recorded an 8.4% increase to 3,216 units. Chinese automaker BYD delivered the fastest growth among major brands, with registrations surging 83.0% to reach 2,154 units.

Best-selling passenger cars in February

The UK’s most popular passenger cars during February reflected a mix of traditional internal combustion models and electrified vehicles.

• Ford Puma – 3,220 units
• Kia Sportage – 2,205 units
• MINI Cooper – 1,828 units
• Tesla Model 3 – 1,584 units
• Jaecoo 7 – 1,446 units

Powertrain trends and electrification mix

Gasoline-powered vehicles remained the largest segment, with registrations rising 5.2% to 41,935 units and accounting for 46.5% of the market. Battery electric vehicles recorded sales of 21,840 units, representing a 2.8% increase and a 24.2% market share.

Hybrid electric vehicles grew 3.3% to 11,807 units, capturing 13.1% of registrations. Plug-in hybrid vehicles delivered the fastest growth among electrified segments, surging 43.5% to 10,438 units and representing 11.6% of the market. Diesel vehicles continued their long-term decline, falling 3.8% to 4,080 units and accounting for 4.5% of sales.

Despite growth in battery electric volumes, February marked the second consecutive month where BEV market share declined compared with the same period in the previous year. This shift partly reflects unusually strong electric vehicle purchases at the beginning of 2025, when buyers accelerated purchases to avoid new tax rates introduced in April. It also follows significant market activity late last year as manufacturers worked to comply with the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.

Demand trends across buyer segments

Private retail demand provided the strongest growth driver during the month, jumping 17.6% to 35,227 units and representing 39.1% of total registrations. Fleet demand increased modestly by 1.8% to 53,506 units, maintaining the dominant 59.4% share of the market. Business registrations, however, declined 12.7% to 1,367 units.

In the commercial vehicle segment, van sales up to 3.5 tonnes rose 1.1% to 14,641 units. Trucks within the 3.5 to 6.0 tonne category recorded a decline of 9.6%, with registrations totaling 609 units.

Commenting on the market outlook, Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, noted that manufacturers have invested heavily to accelerate the industry’s transition but emphasized that long-term sustainability will require policies that align ambitious electrification targets with real consumer demand.