New car sales completes 10th month of growth
New car sales grew 12.1% to 350,518 in September, according to preliminary figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The result marks a 10th consecutive month of growth in new car registrations and the strongest September since 2017.
Fleet registrations rose 9.6% to 190,988 units, representing 54.5% of the market, while private demand increased 13.9% to 149,158 units and a 42.6% share. Registrations by the smaller business sector grew 37.6% to 10,372 units.
Meanwhile, electric vehicles accounted for 58.4% of all registrations. Hybrid uptake dipped 4.2% to a 13.1% market share, while plug-in hybrid registrations surged 55.7% a 17% share and electric vehicles climbed 36.3% to a record high volume of 99,199 units, with market share reported at 28.3%.
A total of 454,945 new electric vehicles have now been registered in the first nine months of the year, accounting for 26.2% of registrations, which is below the 33% mandated for 2026 and behind even last year’s target of 28%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “September’s record EV performance is a major achievement. Drivers are increasingly embracing the growing choice of models made available and high fuel prices are also undoubtedly giving more consumers reason to consider going electric. The industry’s commitment is clear with billions of pounds of investment in new models, new technology and incentives.
“Despite all these factors, uptake remains behind mandated targets and, whilst flexibilities help, the UK still has the world’s toughest targets and highest energy costs. The Mandate review is an opportunity to review those factors, to build on this momentum and support consumers but, in doing so, strengthen business viability and UK competitiveness.”
