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The used car market rallies a greater supply energises zero emission shift UK car market grows 4.1% in Q1 2023 after three successive quarters of decline according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

1,847,149 transactions took place, with 72,798 additional cars changing hands compared with the same period in 2022, as growth in the new car market improved availability. In the best start to a year since 2020, used car sales posted robust growth in each month as demand continued to recover post-pandemic, with rises of 3.6% in January, 4.4% in February and 4.3% in March.

Large fleet registrations grew by a third (33.1%) to 68,537 units as the market naturalised following weaker volumes last year, while deliveries to private buyers fell by -5.5% to 61,342 units. Smaller business fleets accounted for 3,111 registrations rising 13.3%

As supply chain pressures have begun to ease, the overall market is now up 16.9% in the first four months –the best start to a year since the pandemic, with growth worth £3.2billion. This has led to an upward revision of the quarterly market outlook, the first positive revision since 2021, with 1.83 million new car registrations expected in 2023, up from 1.79 million anticipated in January. That puts expected market growth this year at 13.5%, which would be the best percentage gain since 1983.

Sales of battery electric vehicles in 2023 are expected to take a hit in the UK from inflationary pressures and lack of charging points, though the overall outlook for British new car registrations has improved, an industry body has said. The Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) downgraded its forecast for battery electric vehicles’ (BEVs) market share to 18.4% of sales for the year, from a previous estimate of 19.7%. While SMMT’s outlook for BEVs has softened, the sector recorded strong performance in April, with year-onyear deliveries of BEVs surging by more than half to 20,522 vehicles and market share jumping from 10.8% to 15.4%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief Executive, said, “easing supply chain challenges have reenergised new car registrations, unlocking availability in the used car market, and, importantly, delivering more zero emission capable vehicles to second and third owners. Sustaining that growth is vital for our environmental goals, which means bolstering the new car market to drive supply to the used sector. Infrastructure rollout must also improve – and at speed – with affordable and reliable charging essential if more used buyers are to switch to the latest and cleanest available vehicles”.

Onward and upward.

Best wishes people think it’s ok to leave their dog in the car if they’re parked in the shade or the windows are open. But a car can become as hot as an oven, even when the weather doesn’t feel that warm. When it’s 22 degrees Celsius outside, the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour. It’s very dangerous and will cause your dog suffering and harm.

This guidance is from www.rspca.org.uk

First, assess the dog’s condition. If they’re showing any signs of heatstroke dial 999 at once.

If the dog’s condition is critical, and the police haven’t arrived yet, your instinct will be to break into the car to free them. But please be aware that this could be classed as criminal damage. You may need to defend your actions in court, so please be sure you’re doing the right thing. Legally, you can commit damage if you believe the car owner would consent to it if they knew the dog was in danger.

If you’re sure you need to free the dog, tell the police what you intend to do and why. Take photos or videos of the dog. Are there any other witnesses?

Take their names and telephone numbers.

Don’t be afraid to dial 999. If it’s an emergency, the RSPCA may not be able to get to you - and the dog - quickly enough. And as they have no powers of entry, they would need to ask the police to help them rescue the dog. Don’t worry - the police will soon let them know if the dog needs their help.

How can I help a dog who appears OK?

If the dog doesn’t seem in distress, you can leave them in the car and follow these actions.

Work out how long the dog has been in the car. A ‘pay and display’ ticket could help.

Make a note of the car’s registration. If the owner returns but you still feel they’d put the dog in danger, you can tell the police.

If you’re at a shop, venue or event, ask staff to alert the owner over the loudspeaker.

Make sure you, or someone else, stays with the dog. Monitor their condition. If they get worse be prepared to call 999. You can call our cruelty advice line on 0300 1234 999. But if a dog is in danger, dialing 999 should be your first step.

If you were to leave your dog in a vehicle and the dog became ill or worse resulted in a fatality, you could well see yourself charged with the offence of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. If convicted of this offence then you could face up to 6 months in custody and/or a fine of up to £20,000.

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