Hyperdrive

The UK Car Market Is Heading for Its Worst Sales Year Since 1982

  • Trade group cuts deliveries forecast for third time this year
  • Persistent supply issues, surging inflation weigh on buying

An automobile dealership, in Lincoln, UK.

Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg
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Automakers are on course for their worst year of UK sales in four decades as supply-chain issues hamper output and a growing cost-of-living crisis puts off buyers.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders trade group on Friday cut its full-year outlook for new-car registrations for a third time in seven months to 1.57 million, the lowest since 1982.