The UK’s used car market grew 108.6% in the second quarter of 2021 according to the figures, and 2,167,504 vehicles changed hands, up 6.6% on 2019 pre-pandemic levels – the best Q2 performance and almost the best quarter ever for the used car market.
Commenting on the data, Andy Hamilton said:
“It’s been one of the most challenging years in living memory for the used car market so today’s news is a welcome boost, and hopefully a sign that the recovery is gaining momentum now that the economy has re-opened.
“The average age of the UK’s car parc has increased over the past year after such a sustained drop in new vehicle registrations. Coupled with the fact that our roads are now just short of pre-pandemic traffic volumes, this means we’re likely to see greater demand for repair and maintenance services over the coming weeks and months.
“This demand bump, alongside a staycation boom and a new MOT cycle that’s seen peak demand shift to the autumn, should drive more motorists into the independent aftermarket over the remainder of this year.
The aftermarket should also sit up and take notice of another significant increase in the number of used plug-in vehicles changing hands this quarter. Electric and hybrid vehicles are firmly part of the mix and their share growing all the time. As business as usual returns to workshops after a tough start to the year, they need to take the opportunity to get hybrid and EV ready if not sooner rather than later.”