The 36-month long rise of new car registrations has continued over the past month, with a 2.4% increase reported in May by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, when 198,706 units were sold. This growth has been accompanied by a huge four–fold increase in demand for ULEVs (ultra-low emission vehicles) with the 2015 figures showing the biggest jump in demand seen since this type of vehicle became available for widespread purchase in 2011.  It seems that consumers are becoming more and more aware of the benefits they can reap driving ULEVs, in particular the low running costs. There is a greater than ever range of ULEVS on the market – there are now around 20 for drivers to choose from, up from just 6 in 2011. In addition, and no doubt as a direct result of consumer demand, hybrid vehicle training for vehicle technicians has also increased in the last month.

Some industry commentators have claimed that these figures are a reflection of consumer response to new models and attractive finance deals released during the first half of 2015, and that the figures will show a natural leveling-off over the next quarter – keep your eye on our blog over the coming months to see if they are correct.