FX.co ★ UK Car Registrations Plunge 37.5% in February, Deepening Downturn in Auto Market

Car registrations in the United Kingdom fell sharply in February 2026, with the indicator dropping to -37.5% month-on-month, according to the latest data updated on 24 March 2026. The decline marks a steep deterioration from January 2026, when registrations had already slipped by -1.5% compared with December.

The figures show that the February reading is measured against January 2026, while the earlier January figure reflected a comparison with December 2025. The move from a modest contraction to a deep month-on-month slump suggests a significant cooling in demand or disruptions affecting the auto market at the start of the year.

With the February data now confirming a sharp reversal in activity, market participants and policymakers will be watching upcoming releases closely to assess whether this is a one-off shock or the beginning of a more prolonged downturn in UK vehicle registrations.