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RAC comment on May new car sales figures

Sales of new cars were down 14.7% last month compared with May 2019, new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reveal, but plug-in vehicles are taking an increasing share of the new car market.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “May was a very significant month for the sale of battery electric cars as the 13,120 sold took the total number registered since 2010 past the 250,000 milestone. So far this year the number of pure electric cars sold has already surpassed that of 2019 and is half the total sold last year. This is a clear sign that drivers are embracing electric and with fewer restrictions it looks like even better BEV sales figures will be posted in the coming months.
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“With more and more of our patrol vans being kitted out with our industry-leading lightweight EV chargers fears about running out of juice mid-journey are fast disappearing which should give even more drivers the confidence to make the switch to electric.”

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About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic British driving services brand and has been championing drivers since 1897. Today it is one of the UK’s most trusted names, providing complete peace of mind ® to over 15 million drivers across breakdown cover, insurance, and mobile servicing and repairs.

Its nationwide patrol force attends more than two million breakdowns every year, while its position as the UK’s leading independent insurance broker helps motorists find the right cover with confidence. The RAC has also reshaped the service, maintenance and repair market with its Mobile Mechanics, who carry out servicing and repairs at drivers’ homes or workplaces.

Committed to innovation, the RAC is fully electric ready with mobile EV charging technology for stranded drivers, and a suite of digital and data‑led solutions that make motoring easier and more affordable for consumers and fleets. These services come together in myRAC – the all‑in‑one app for vehicle maintenance, cheaper fuel finding and breakdown assistance.

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