Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed April registrations up for the 38th consecutive month. Demand rose by 5.1% to 185,778 units – the month’s best performance since 2005. Year to date registrations for 2015 are up 6.4% to 920,366.

April’s strong performance, which came after a record first quarter for the sector, tracks a 12-year high for consumer confidence and continued a pattern of growth in new car registrations around general elections that dates back to 1979.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Demand in the period following the election today (7 May) is forecast to continue in line with this trend and as new products, attractive finance deals and low interest rates inspire consumers and businesses to give the new car market their vote of confidence, the SMMT said.

All but three of the past nine general elections have coincided with a spike in new car demand in the three months immediately before and after polling day. Notable exceptions were during the recessions of 1992 and 2010 while the 2005 election period saw registrations dip as part of natural market readjustment after hitting peak volumes in 2002.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Today’s figures highlight the current strength of consumer confidence even at a time of such political uncertainty. We are confident that the UK’s new car market – so symbolic of economic mood – will continue to thrive but long-term success will depend largely on economic and political stability in the months and years ahead. Whatever the outcome of today’s election, the next government must act quickly to uphold economic certainty and reassure consumers and markets.”

See Also:

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.