Alan Gall. (Photo: SMTA)

Sales of new cars in Scotland has grown by 3% for the year to December 2024, according to figures published ...

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Sales of new cars in Scotland has grown by 3% for the year to December 2024, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).  

Almost every region across the country has improved their sales output with Dumfries and Galloway and Fife leading the way at 9.4% and 9.3% respectively. 

Only Central shows a yearly decline but despite this Scotland has performed ahead of the UK average of 2.6%.

“There is no doubt we faced some challenges in the industry through 2024, not least of which the ongoing drive toward the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandated sales mix of electric vehicles, supply issues and latterly the car financing regulations. Considering this, the fact the market has grown in Scotland by 3% against 2023 shows Scotland has managed to more than hold its own,” commented SMTA chief executive, Alan Gall.  

But the outlook for 2025 is looking less optimistic and the drive towards the UK’s ZEV mandate will only be reached if the government addresses the challenges faced to meet its targets. 

“The biggest concern we have is increasing the sales mix of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV). There is a disconnect between consumer demand and the ZEV targets meaning that consumers will choose not to buy, rather than buy a product they do not want. 

Without significant government incentives in both the pricing of BEV vehicles, massive investment in the charging infrastructure and rationalisation of charging costs it is hard to see a benefit for consumers to buy a BEV product.”

Meanwhile, the car industry, like other areas of the UK economy, is enduring financial headwinds increasing pressure on private buyers and business alike.  

Expected low levels of new car stock availability coupled with interest rates remaining at significantly higher levels are strong concerns for 2025,” added Mr Gall.

In terms of car brands, Volkswagen replaces Vauxhall as Scotland’s best-selling accounting for 9% of all sales.  Vauxhall moves to second place at 7.35% and Kia moves from 5th (2023) to take the 3rd spot. 

Vauxhall Corsa, meanwhile, remains the best-selling car in 2024 followed by Kia Sportage in 2nd and Ford Puma in 3rd position.

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