The UK used automotive market saw 0.7% year-on-year growth within the second quarter of 2026, in line with latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
A complete of two,009,318 vehicle transactions took place, in the primary Q2 since 2021 during which the 2 million mark was surpassed.
The SMMT said the figure was only one.2% below pre-pandemic levels, and helped offset a marginal drop in Q1 to take the general marketplace for the primary half of 2026 to 0.2% growth, with 4,025,550 transactions.
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Q2 saw a 67% rise in used EV transactions, to 110,761 – the strongest quarterly growth for the fuel type since Q1 2024. The SMMT said demand peaked in months that saw big fuel price rises, and the expansion was also set against relatively weak EV demand a 12 months earlier amid VED changes.
Demand for used full hybrids increased by 31.2% during Q2, to 130,825 transactions, while plug-in hybrid transactions fell by 6.8%, to 22,856 transactions.
Petrol stays by far the most well-liked used automotive fuel type despite a 1.2% decline, to 1,121,243 transactions, while diesel was down by 7.2%, to 620,045 transactions, with this drop linked to weaker supply from the brand new automotive market.
Despite being out of production for several years, the Ford Fiesta remained the UK’s hottest used automotive in Q2, accounting for 73,570 transactions, ahead of the Vauxhall Corsa with 59,247 and the Volkswagen Golf with 55,786.
Growth ‘demonstrates sector resilience’
Mike Hawes, chief executive on the SMMT, said: “A return to growth is nice news for motorists and the broader automotive sector, with sales of used EVs rising particularly strongly as more alternative reaches more buyers.
“Because the used market is where most individuals buy their cars, plentiful and reasonably priced supply is significant, nonetheless, increasingly unrealistic targets in the brand new automotive market risk constraining that provide and pushing up costs. Urgent regulatory reform is required to deliver a transition that works for each driver.”
Reacting to the SMMT data, Philip Nothard, insight director at Cox Automotive, said: “The modest growth we have seen within the used automotive market demonstrates the resilience of the sector. Encouragingly, we’re seeing no meaningful migration away from used vehicles towards an increasingly attractive latest automotive market, and the underlying performance suggests the market is finding its natural level following several years of disruption.
“The rapid growth in used EV sales is a positive trend, but affordability stays the dominant influence on purchasing decisions, meaning the general market outlook stays regular quite than transformational.”
Related reading: How dealers can secure success in used automotive sales
Used EV sales growth prompts servicing warning
Dave Brookfield, interim CEO at parts and training company LKQ UK & Ireland, said: “The continued growth of used plug-in sales would show that electric vehicles have gotten a firmly established a part of the used-car market. As more vehicles change hands and move beyond dealer warranties, independent garages are investing in the talents, tools and equipment needed to service them, giving drivers greater alternative over where they take their automotive.
“But there remains to be a capability gap to shut. Unless the independent sector can construct capability quickly enough, demand for EV servicing and repair could begin to outpace the variety of workshops equipped to satisfy it. Closing that gap is just as fundamental to the success of the UK’s transition to electric vehicles as the provision of charging infrastructure.
“Independent mechanics increasingly recognise that EV servicing can be central to the long run of their businesses. But progress is being held back by concerns over access to vehicle data and the associated fee of investing in training, diagnostics and equipment. Garages need fair access to the data and tools required to compete, so motorists proceed to profit from local alternative and competitive repair costs.”
Susan Wells, director of EV and Solar at green energy brand Hive, said: “A thriving used EV market is crucial to accelerating sustainable transport. We’re seeing strong growth this 12 months, which signals real consumer confidence in EVs across all market segments and that they’re successfully transitioning from early adopter territory into mainstream acceptance.
“Nevertheless, this growth relies on having the fitting people in place. The federal government must prioritise investment in EV-related skills and training to support this growing sector. From technicians who can service electric vehicles to sales professionals who understand the technology, we’d like a workforce equipped for the electrical future to sustain this momentum.
“Alongside this, we’d like investment within the expansion of public charging networks. Together, these are essential to be sure that accessible electric transport becomes a reality for all drivers, no matter budget or location.”
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
