Sales by Market

Stellantis was the hit hardest among major manufacturers with a 31 percent drop because of big sales declines for its Peugeot, Citroen, Opel/Vauxhall and Jeep brands.

Polestar and Tesla boosted sales despite a drop in overall demand for battery-electric cars, as mainstream automakers such as VW had to reduce EV production due to parts shortages.

Industry association SMMT lowered its full-year sales forecast after registrations fell 16 percent in April.

Nissan, Ford, Dacia and DS were the only volume brands to post gains for the month. VW's Cupra brand, new to the market, had a strong month.