LONDON (UK) – UK witnessed a one-third dip in new car sales on an annual basis in June when dealers reopened showrooms after the lockdown. According to data from an industry body, the slump was smaller than what was witnessed in March, April and May.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, around 145,000 units were registered in June.
However, in March, the demand witnessed a drop of 44% and the following month it fell by 97%. In May, sales went down by 89%.
Year-to-date, the market was 50% behind where it was at the same time in 2019, according to the SMMT.
In the UK, not all car manufacturers have resumed operations. Many are functioning at reduced capacity.
While car showrooms were allowed to reopen from June 1 in England, dealers in Wales and Scotland had to wait until June 22 and June 29 respectively.
SMMT is slated to publish final sales figures for June at 9 am (0800 GMT) on Monday.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field