Has the New Car Number Plate Release Lost its Appeal?

Making sure you get the new car number plate on your car used to be very important for many car buyers, but has this changed in recent years?

The NU26 REG has arrived, but whether this new number plate makes the same impact it used to on customer behaviour is an interesting discussion. Previously, people would consider the new reg plate change an important factor in deciding when to buy their new car. Nowadays, car buyers seem less concerned with factors like image or appearance, which traditionally came along with driving away in the latest model with the latest number plate. General consumer focus seems to have shifted, with people deciding to make sustainable automotive choices that offer longevity and economic efficiency. The most recent government statistics on vehicle licensing shows that the average age of cars in the UK is 10 years, suggesting the majority of drivers are looking to keep their car for longer periods rather than regularly switching models. This continues to raise the question of whether the custom of buying a new car just because the plate has changed will continue.

The twice-yearly number plate change started in 1999, and the current format where numbers indicate the year of first registration has been in place since 2001. Plates change on the 1^st of March and 1^st September, and these dates still mark a significant period for car dealers like us here at Greenhous. Many car brands launch new models and promotional offers to coincide with the new registration launches, encouraging sales and footfall for many dealerships. A survey conducted by GoCompare last year highlighted that nearly a quarter of Brits don’t understand how number plates work. In this survey, 47% of those asked weren’t sure when the newest plates were released or gave an incorrect answer when asked. The fact that nearly half of those questioned didn’t know when number plates change seems to support a shift in consumer concern in staying up to date with the newest car registrations.

Last September, Startline Motor Finance questioned 301 consumers and 60 dealers on this subject. In data published by the company, 70% of the dealers asked believed that the registration plate change is less important to the motor industry than it used to be. Just 18% said they have customers who always look for the latest plate, and only 16% said the March and September plate changes create demand from car buyers. This data continues to suggest that the launch of a new registration plate no longer has the same massive draw for customers that it perhaps used to. But for those still interested in staying up-to-the-minute, there are advantages to buying a vehicle with the latest number plates. Despite often costing more, cars with the latest registration plates will often hold their resale or trade-in value better than older plates.

At Greenhous, we do recognise that having the newest number plates on your car may not be top of your list when considering buying a car. Features like fuel efficiency, mileage range and interior technology all play an important part in helping you choose the right car for your lifestyle. That’s why across the Greenhous Group we aim to offer customers a variety of both new and used vehicles from respected and recognised automotive brands.

Whether you want to drive away with the newest plate, or you’re simply looking for a car that’s new to you, Greenhous can offer you a wide range of brand new and refurbished used cars to choose from.

Explore our range of new vehicles, used cars and used vans here, or visit one of our Greenhous dealerships across the UK today to find the perfect vehicle for you.