MG dominates electric vehicle enquiries on Auto Trader in October

MG has secured its position as the most in-demand brand for new electric vehicle (EV) enquiries on Auto Trader this October, generating 21% of all inquiries.

This is more than double that of BMW, which holds second place with 8.9%, and four times the share of Nissan, which comes in third with 5.2%.

The top three most sought-after EVs on Auto Trader this month are all MG models: the MG4, MG5, and MG ZS. The MG4, the most popular model, accounts for 9.2% of enquiries, followed by the MG5 with 5.5%, and the MG ZS at 4.9%.

Auto Trader attributes MG’s success to attractive discounts, with the MG4 offering a 20% average discount and the MG5 and MG ZS seeing reductions of around 30%.

Other Chinese brands are also gaining traction, with BYD and Omoda experiencing notable growth in inquiries for their new models. BYD has become the fastest-growing new car marque this month, driven by the popularity of its plug-in hybrid, the Seal U. Omoda's pure electric E5 also ranks among the top rising models.

Despite a slight dip in overall new car visits following a key plate change in September, interest in new EVs remains strong, making up 20.6% of enquiries in October.

The proportion of new electric vehicles offering a discount has fallen from 74% in September to 69% this month although the average discount being applied has risen slightly to 12.4%. In contrast, average discounts applied to new cars overall has softened, albeit marginally, from 9.1% to circa 8.9%.

MG's leadership in the electric car market is mirrored by its position in the broader market as well. MG ranks fourth overall in demand for new car enquiries across all fuel types, with a 6.5% share, following brands like BMW, Land Rover, and Volkswagen.

Auto Trader’s new car performance director Bex Kennett said: “Over the last few months we’ve seen brands and retailers work hard to stimulate consumer demand, and we’re seeing the result on our platform.

“Despite the natural softening expected following a plate change month, the underlying interest in new cars remains robust as the combination of choice and affordability plays through.”