London, Feb 16, 2026, 15:45 GMT — Regular session.
- Autotrader shares up about 0.6% in London trade
- Company data shows EV advert views and dealer enquiries rose sharply in 2025
- Investors’ next focus: Autotrader full-year results on May 21
Shares in Autotrader Group plc (AUTOA.L) were up 0.6% at 461.7 pence by 1545 GMT on Monday, after the online car marketplace published fresh data pointing to stronger consumer interest in electric vehicles. (AutoTrader)
The update matters because investors have been searching for clean reads on UK consumer demand and dealer activity, after a volatile run in growth stocks. Autotrader’s pricing power and lead volumes sit close to the mood on showroom floors, especially as the market tries to judge how quickly buyers will shift into battery-powered cars.
Broader London stocks edged higher, with financials rebounding as traders looked ahead to a run of UK data this week that could shape expectations for the Bank of England. (Reuters)
In its “Road to 2030” report on EV adoption, Autotrader said total views of new and used electric-vehicle (EV) adverts on its platform rose 28% in 2025, while enquiries to retailers — messages or contact requests from shoppers, often called sales leads — were up 27% versus 2024. It also said new EV registrations were just under half a million in the UK last year, about one in four new cars sold. (Road to 2030)
But the company said demand is not evenly spread. Autotrader said an average 31% of users across UK postcode areas had viewed at least one EV advert over the past 90 days, while consumer research pointed to a sharp gap between city and rural drivers. Chief Customer Officer Ian Plummer called it “a two-speed road to 2030” and said policymakers need to “bring everybody with us” by widening support — including the Electric Car Grant — beyond new cars. (AutoTrader)
The stock has swung between 460.8 pence and 472.2 pence so far on Monday, after closing at 459.1 pence on Friday. Over the past 52 weeks it has traded between 454.6 pence and 920.0 pence, according to Investing.com data. (Investing)
A risk for Autotrader is that EV demand stays tied to incentives and monthly finance costs, which can change quickly as policy shifts and manufacturers tweak discounts. The company’s marketplace is also exposed to dealer budgets: if retailers cut ad spend in a slower car market, platform revenue can soften even if traffic holds up.
Investors’ next clear catalyst is Autotrader’s full-year results on May 21, when the company is expected to update on trading and outlook for dealer demand and pricing. (AutoTrader)
