Why Did the Ford Puma Top July’s UK Sales and How Is the Renault 5 Dominating the EV Market?

July 2024 – Ford Puma Reclaims the Top Spot

According to the latest registration data, Ford moved 3,531 Puma models in July, making it the best‑selling new car in the UK for the month. The compact SUV slipped to third place in June after strong demand for the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, but it bounced back to lead the market once again.

Top Ten New‑Car Registrations for July

Following the Puma, Nissan’s Qashqai recorded 3,224 registrations and Kia’s Sportage was close behind with 3,205. The Jaecoo 7 secured fourth place with 2,709 units, just edging out the MG HS, which logged 2,703 registrations. The remainder of the top ten comprised the Ford Kuga, Jaecoo 5, Volkswagen Golf, Mini Cooper and Vauxhall Corsa.

Year‑to‑Date Leaders

When the figures are summed for the whole year, the Puma remains at the summit with 33,173 registrations. Kia’s Sportage follows in second place with 29,033 registrations, while the Jaecoo 7 has emerged as one of 2024’s biggest success stories, sitting third with 26,549 registrations – ahead of the long‑standing Qashqai.

The Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf, MG HS, Mini Cooper, Volvo XC40 and Volkswagen Tiguan complete the year‑to‑date top ten.

Electric Vehicle Surge in July

Pure‑electric registrations jumped dramatically in July, rising by 44.5% compared with the previous month. The resurgence was led by the revived Renault 5, which has now amassed more than 17,000 UK registrations since its launch last year.

In July alone, the Renault 5 accounted for 1,805 registrations, keeping it at the top of the EV chart. It was followed by the Kia EV3 with 1,691 registrations and the Jaecoo E5 with 1,291. The Skoda Enyaq and Vauxhall Frontera rounded out the top five electric models.

The rest of the EV top ten comprised the Mini Countryman, Skoda Elroq, Volkswagen ID.3, Audi Q6 e‑tron and the Mercedes‑Benz CLA.

Renault 5 – The UK’s Most Popular EV

Renault UK Managing Director Adam Wood explained that the R5’s success stems from a blend of appealing design and everyday affordability. He highlighted that the model “captures the head and the heart”, and noted that more than half of Renault’s UK registrations for July were fully electric. Wood added that the momentum will continue with the upcoming launches of the Renault 4 Plein Sud and the Renault Twingo.

What This Means for Dealers

For dealership groups, the data underscores two clear trends. First, the Ford Puma’s consistent performance demonstrates strong consumer appetite for small, stylish crossovers that combine practicality with a premium feel. Second, the rapid growth of electric registrations – led by the affordable and retro‑styled Renault 5 – shows that cost‑effective EVs are gaining mainstream traction.

Dealers should consider expanding their Puma inventory to capitalise on its popularity, while also ensuring a robust EV offering, particularly models that sit in the sub‑£30,000 price band. Aligning marketing messages with the proven appeal of design, affordability and electrification will likely resonate with UK buyers in the months ahead.

Key Takeaways

• The Ford Puma returned to the top of July’s UK new‑car registrations with 3,531 units.
• The Renault 5 remains the best‑selling electric vehicle, with 1,805 registrations in July and over 17,000 sold since launch.
• Electric vehicle registrations grew by 44.5% month‑on‑month, signalling accelerating consumer interest.
• Year‑to‑date, the Puma leads with 33,173 units, while the Jaecoo 7 is the third‑overall seller.