New car sales in the UK, Europe’s second-biggest car market, rose 14% in February, the best result in two decades, but Dacia passenger car sales fell, according to data published by the Manufacturers Association. and UK Motor Traders (SMMT), cited by Reuters and Agerpres.

While growth in February is positive and shows solid demand for newer vehicles, the longer-term outlook will become clearer when data for March, the busiest month of the year, is released, the SMMT said.

February marked the 19th consecutive month of rising deliveries, with UK new car sales up 14% to 84,886 units, the best result since 2004.

Last month, sales of battery electric cars increased by 21.8%, gasoline – by 13.3%, diesel – by 7.4%. In February, Dacia sold 1,245 vehicles in the UK market, down 21.65% compared to the same period in 2023, when 1,589 units were registered.

The best-selling models in February are Ford Puma, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen T-Roc, Kia Sportage and Audi A3.

The UK is the second largest car market in Europe

“During the budget presentation, the Minister of Finance has an opportunity to stimulate demand by reducing VAT on new electric vehicles and public charging stations,” said the SMMT press release.

In the first two months of this year, new car sales in the UK rose by 10.3% to 227,762 units. From January to February 2024, Dacia sold 3,332 vehicles in the UK market, down 4.77% compared to the same period in 2023, when 3,499 units were registered.

Ford Puma, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, BMW 1 Series and MINI are among the best-selling models in the first two months of this year.

The UK remains the second largest car market in Europe after Germany, but ahead of France, Italy and Spain.