Popular New And Used Cars, Colours and Data Trends of 2023
In 2023, the UK witnessed a surge in the used car market, indicating a robust 5.1% growth with a total of 7,242,692 transactions recorded across the nation, something second-hand motor trade dealers welcomed.
This growth trend persisted throughout the year, with four consecutive quarters of expansion reflecting a shift towards second-hand vehicle purchases.
Top 5 Used Cars in 2023
Ford Fiesta: 308,017
Vauxhall Corsa: 237,705
Volkswagen Golf: 227,427
Ford Focus: 223,417
Vauxhall Astra: 160,736
New data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) has shed some light on buyers’ preferences.
Black cars are the reigning champions in the used car segment, making up over 21.4% of total sales. Grey cars maintained their dominance, securing the top spot for the sixth consecutive year, while other colours like pink, cream, and maroon also found their niche among buyers.
A notable highlight was the remarkable surge in sales of used electric vehicles (EVs), which skyrocketed by over 90% to a record 118,973 units. Despite this impressive growth, diesel and petrol vehicles dominated the market, representing 94.3% of total sales.
Delving deeper into EV colour preferences, grey emerged as the undisputed favourite among private and motor trade drivers, commanding a market share of 26.8%. Monochrome colours, including black and white, maintained their stronghold, while blue saw a notable rise in popularity. Once again, colours like maroon, pink, and cream remained at the fringes of the market, catering to drivers seeking distinctive hues.
Interestingly, green, which is currently on trend, experienced a resurgence in demand, reaching its highest volume since 2005, signalling a potential shift towards eco-friendly colour choices. However, despite the rise of zero-emission vehicles, the preference for grey remained consistent across both conventional and electric cars. It is very unlikely either colour will impact the cost of your next insurance policy.
Regional preferences mirrored the national trend, with grey reigning supreme across all British regions.
While variations existed, with white ranking second in some areas and black in others, the overarching preference for monochrome colours underscored a uniform aesthetic appeal among consumers of new and used cars.
Transitioning to the new car market, March 2024 marked another milestone with a 10.4% rise in registrations, marking the 20th consecutive month of growth. Petrol cars continued to dominate, albeit with a slight dip in market share, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles witnessed a surge in demand.
Most popular fuel type for used cars:
Petrol: 4,079,555
Diesel: 2,747,911
Hybrid: 221,859
Electric: 118,973
Plug-in Hybrid: 65,837
Despite the varied dynamics shaping the motor trade landscape, one thing remains clear – the resilience and adaptability of the UK car industry. With evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements, the sector continues to chart new territories, presenting challenges and opportunities for stakeholders.
2024 Best Selling UK Cars
Ford Puma – 15.054 registrations
Nissan Qashqai – 14,555 registrations
Kia Sportage – 13,632 registrations
Nissan Juke – 11,206 registrations
Audi A3 – 10,493 registrations
BMW 1 Series – 10,406 registrations
