The UK new car market rose by 1.6% in September, versus last year, according to data published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). It was the highest September on record and takes the UK’s car market over 2m cumulatively in the first three quarters.
Some 469,696 cars were registered, as buyers purchased the new 66 registration plate (UK plates experience a twice a year changeover that attracts buyers to March and September).
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The total number of cars registered so far this year grew to 2,150,495 units – up 2.6% compared with the same period last year. It is only the second time that the two million mark has been passed in September since 2004.
Fleet registrations continued to drive growth, up 7.3%, while registrations to private motorists experienced a small decline, down -1.7% to 223,844 units in the month.
There was no sign of any dent to diesel sales in the UK: diesel registrations rose 2.8% as petrols declined -1.1%. Alternatively fuelled vehicles continued to outpace the market, up 32.6% against the same month last year with a market share of 3.4%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “September is always one of the biggest months for Britain’s new car market. The new 66-plate, combined with a diverse range of exciting new models featuring the latest technology, has certainly helped draw buyers into showrooms and many are taking full advantage of the attractive deals and low interest financing options on offer. However business and consumers place September orders many months in advance, so the ability of the market to maintain this record level of demand will depend on the ability of government to overcome political uncertainty and safeguard the conditions that underpin consumer appetite.”
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