NEW registrations in April rose for the 21st month in a row – albeit by just one per cent.

Once again, the increase was down to fleet customers with private registrations continuing to fall, according the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Fleet purchases accounted for 81,207 (60.5 per cent) of April’s 134,274 registrations.

Fully-electric vehicles (EVs) were responsible for 22,717 registrations, securing a 16.9 per cent market share compared with 15.4 per cent the previous April.

However, the EV market would have been insignificant but for fleet and business buyers who enjoy tax incentives. Private customers accounted for less than one in six EV registrations last month.

I commend the SMMT for continuing to criticise the government for not giving incentives to private EV buyers.

Chief executive Mike Hawes said this week: “The new car market continues to grow even in the quieter months, driven primarily by fleet demand.

“This is particularly true of the electric vehicle sector, where the absence of government incentives for private buyers is having a marked effect.

“Although attractive deals on EVs are in place, manufacturers cannot fund the mass market transition single-handedly.

“Temporarily cutting VAT, treating EVs as fiscally mainstream not luxury vehicles, and taking steps to instil confidence in the chargepoint network will drive the market growth on which Britain’s net zero ambition depends.”

UK top 10 in April: 1, Ford Puma, 4,339; 2, Volkswagen Polo, 3,413; 3, Audi A3, 3,010; 4, Nissan Qashqai, 2,495; 5, Volkswagen Golf, 2,361; 6, Kia Sportage, 2,192; 7, Volkswagen T-Roc, 2,162; 8, MG HS, 2,073; 9, Volvo XC40, 2,069; 10, Volkswagen Tiguan, 2,004.

Scottish top 10 in April: 1, Puma, 333; 2, MG ZS, 320; 3, Polo, 299; 4, Renault Captur, 256; 5, A3, 249; 6, T-Roc, 246; 7, Renault Clio, 196; 8, Seat Arona, 183; 9, MG HS, 177; 10, BMW 1 Series, 165.

Figures from SMMT.