Pandemic-stricken British car industry records lowest sales since 1970

The British auto market is in the worse shape it has been in decades, as new vehicle registrations slumped to their lowest level in January 2021 since 1970. The pandemic contributed to the decline as it forced showrooms to shut their doors.

Reuters reports that new car sales in the United Kingdom fell by an annual 39.5% to 90 249 in January, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

England and Scotland were subjected to stringent COVID-19 preventative measures, which included limiting the public’s movement from January 5. This forced many businesses to cease operations to prevent the spread of the disease.

Car showrooms were impacted and closed their doors to the public. However, many dealerships use online services, such as delivery and click-and-collect options, to sell vehicles and keep their businesses afloat.

“Every day that showrooms can safely open will matter,” said SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes. “Especially with the critical month of March looming.”

March is an incredibly important month to the British industry, as it is one of the top two selling months of the year.

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