The Chinese Jaecoo 7 led UK new‑car registrations in October, while the market grew 5.4% and electric vehicles reached a record 32% share.

The Chinese‑made Jaecoo 7 recorded 3,412 registrations in October, making it the UK’s best‑selling new car for the second month running and the third time this year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The overall market grew 5.4% to 152,730 units.

Bar chart race showing monthly UK new car registrations by model

Key takeaways

Jaecoo 7 led October registrations with 3,412 units.
UK new‑car registrations rose 5.4% to 152,730.
Battery electric vehicles made up 32% of October sales.
SMMT warns EV targets will be missed by 2028.

Jaecoo 7 repeats as the UK’s top‑selling new car

Data from the SMMT show the Jaecoo 7 achieved 3,412 registrations in October, edging the Ford Puma by 43 units to claim the top spot. This is the second consecutive month the Chinese SUV has led the market and the third time it has finished the year as the leader.

Graph highlighting Jaecoo 7 sales performance against competitors

The model sits second in the year‑to‑date ranking with 42,885 registrations, trailing only the Puma’s 46,295 units. Its repeat success highlights growing consumer acceptance of Chinese brands and provides dealers with a fresh high‑volume product to showcase alongside domestic favourites.

New‑car market expands and electric sales hit record share

SMMT figures indicate the UK new‑car market expanded by 5.4% in October, reaching 152,730 registrations - the eleventh month of consecutive growth. The uplift was broad‑based, with fleet registrations up 5.4% and private buyers increasing 4.1%.

Pie chart of electric vehicle market share for October 2026

Battery electric vehicles accounted for 32% of all new registrations, the highest monthly share this year, while plug‑in hybrids contributed 15% and all electrified models together made up 59% of the market. This surge reflects intensified manufacturer incentives and growing consumer appetite for low‑emission cars.

EV targets diverge from reality

The SMMT warns that the Zero‑Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate targets are set far above realistic demand. Forecasts show EVs will represent only 27.2% of 2026 registrations against a 33% target, and 32% in 2027 versus a 38% goal.

Illustration of the gap between ZEV mandate targets and actual EV uptake

By 2028 the industry expects a 37.5% EV share, still 14.5 percentage points short of the 52% mandate. The trade body argues that ongoing subsidies, zero‑percent finance and charging incentives are eroding manufacturer profitability and could jeopardise future investment.

SMMT urges stronger UK‑EU automotive ties

A joint SMMT‑ACEA report calls for tighter UK‑EU collaboration on trade rules, battery supply chains and raw material access ahead of the 2027 rules‑of‑origin changes. The analysis warns manufacturers may face higher costs if qualifying battery supplies are insufficient.

The report also flags new policy measures such as the upcoming electric vehicle excise duty and retained 20% VAT on public charging as potential mixed signals for motorists. SMMT urges long‑term certainty on grants, cheaper public charge points and removal of disincentives.

What this means for dealers

Dealers should consider expanding stock of the Jaecoo 7 to capitalise on its strong demand, while preparing for a larger share of electrified vehicles on the showroom floor. Monitoring incentive schemes and upcoming regulatory changes will be essential to maintain margins and meet customer expectations.

Frequently asked questions

Which model led UK new‑car registrations in October 2026?

The Jaecoo 7 was the top‑selling model, achieving 3,412 registrations in October 2026. It led the Ford Puma by a narrow margin and marked the second month in a row the Chinese SUV topped the UK sales chart in the competitive market.

How did the overall UK new‑car market perform in October?

Overall registrations rose 5.4% to 152,730 units, marking the eleventh consecutive month of growth. Fleet sales increased 5.4% to 89,985, while private registrations grew 4.1% to 58,229, showing broad‑based strength across channels. This robust performance indicates dealer inventories are filling and consumer confidence remains high despite price pressures.

What are the SMMT’s concerns about future EV targets?

The SMMT says the ZEV Mandate’s 2026, 2027 and 2028 targets - 33%, 38% and 52% respectively - are well above projected market share, which it estimates at 27.2%, 32% and 37.5%. It warns that continued subsidies risk profit margins and could deter further investment.