Hybrid cars registrations continue to rise

The EU saw a rise in the number of alternative-fuelled vehicles bought in 2013, latest figures show. Registrations of new hybrid and plug-in cars rose 17.5% last year to 32,727 […]

The EU saw a rise in the number of alternative-fuelled vehicles bought in 2013, latest figures show.

Registrations of new hybrid and plug-in cars rose 17.5% last year to 32,727 units out of the 2.26 million of vehicles in total, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Within the past two years, the number of plug-in models on sale has risen from six to 17.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of SMMT said: “One of the most exciting developments over the past couple of years has been growth of alternative-fuelled vehicles. These have virtually doubled since 2011 and we expect that to continue, especially as you see some newer technologies coming to the market – zero emission vehicles and ultra-low emission vehicles… We see this growth continuing for many years to come.”

He added the UK Government has provided incentives for customers to buy the cars and has been working with the industry on a campaign for 2014 to promote them.

Around £2.5 billion has been committed by companies to UK automotive manufacturing, which is expected to create more than 5,000 jobs, SMMT said.

Car manufacturer Ford recently unveiled its hybrid car which charges from solar panels in its roof.

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