“Hybrid vehicles hit the candy spot by way of desirability, worth, comfort and tech”

November was a real recreation changer – essentially the most important and revealing gross sales month of the 12 months for causes that stunned many, me included.

On the centre of it have been new-car patrons capable of benefit from the pre-Christmas ‘agony’ of deciding whether or not to go for (in alphabetical order) 100 per cent diesel, 100 per cent electrical (EV), hybrid, hydrogen, LPG or 100 per cent petrol. A pleasant ‘downside’ for these paying prospects to have, proper? Even if hydrogen and LPG are, sadly, showroom rarities today.

Primarily based solely on November’s official Society of Motor Producers and Merchants registration figures, patrons revealed preferences that automotive producers and politicians will take an enormous curiosity in.

Customers coughed up the money to collectively purchase greater than 1,000 new vehicles each weekday final month. They ‘knew what they need and knew get it’ (apologies to The Intercourse Pistols). And diesel, electrical, hybrid or petrol-powered vehicles weren’t solely ‘those that they need’ (sorry John Travolta and Olivia Newton- John), however the kind they’re completely satisfied to spend their hard-earned ‘cash, cash, cash’ on (ditto Abba).

Let’s not consider the classes as winners and losers. Though there’s no escaping the truth that solely round three per cent of shoppers are committing to diesels. Loopy when the most effective, most-efficient, state-of-the-art diesel vehicles can, if pushed gently on an extended, clear run, nudge 80-90mpg, wouldn’t you agree?    

Makers delaying EV gross sales into 2024, after they rely in direction of their EV mandate quota, could have had one thing to do with this, however extra of a shock was that pure-EVs had an atrocious November. Gross sales slumped, and fewer than 16 in each 100 new automotive patrons bought one. It additionally meant that the market share for these 100-per cent EVs declined by extra proportion factors than some other autos, diesels included.

A smidge beneath 40 in each 100  patrons caught with what they know finest by buying comparatively old-tech 100-per cent petrol vehicles. The foremost cause for his or her continued success? Worth, I reckon. Beginning at round £14,000, they’re the least costly correct vehicles in the marketplace (to not be confused with sub-£10k quadricycles such because the Citroen Ami).

However the darkish horse, hybrid, was the undisputed flavour of the month – with 42 new automotive patrons in each 100 signing up for one. The overwhelming majority of these purchased have been petrol-electric, though a handful have been of the lesser-known diesel-electric selection.

What’s to not like? These hybrids mix outdated and new tech; are available low-cost mild-hybrid and costlier full-hybrid guises; and the bulk are easy non-plug-in variations, though some might be plugged into electrical energy provides. Discuss spoiled for selection!

The UK shopping for public has spoken and clearly acknowledged that the vehicles it craves above all others are hybrids – whose gross sales are by the roof. In these closing days of 2023, by a lot of 2024 and probably for years to return, hybrids are poised to proceed hitting the candy spot by way of desirability, worth, comfort and tech. Consider them because the paying public’s most-wanted new vehicles in the marketplace tight now – as a result of that’s precisely what they’re.

Do you agree with Mike? Tell us your ideas within the feedback part…