The Vauxhall Corsa was the UK's best-selling new car in May. Shown is the the Corsa-e full-electric version.
New-car registrations in Britain fell by nearly 21 percent in May as persisting supply challenges hampered sales despite robust demand, industry data showed.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said sales dropped to 124,394 units last month, while full-electric vehicles uptake jumped nearly 18 percent and made up one in eight new cars joining the road.
The month was the second weakest May for car sales in three decades after lockdown-hit 2020.
May UK sales by fuel type
"In yet another challenging month for the new car market, the industry continues to battle ongoing global parts shortages, with growing battery electric vehicle uptake one of the few bright spots," SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said.
British new-car sales this year will likely be lower than previously thought as the cost-of-living squeeze in Britain and persisting chip shortages impact the auto market, the SMMT said last month.
The overall market has declined nearly 9 percent, equivalent to 62,724 fewer units, so far this year due to supply issues, the SMMT said.
The Vauxhall Corsa small-segment car was the best-selling in May and in the first five months.
