9:18 am, October 5, 2016
THE UK new car market remained steady in September, rising 1.6 per cent, according to data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders today.
A total of 469,696 cars were registered, as buyers purchased the new 66-plate.
The performance marks the highest September on record, while the total number of cars registered so far this year also grew to 2,150,495 units – up 2.6 per cent 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 per cent, while registrations to private motorists experienced a small decline, down 1.7 per cent to 223,844 units in the month.
Meanwhile, diesel registrations rose 2.8 per cent as petrols declined by 1.1 per cent. Alternatively-fuelled vehicles continued to outpace the market, up 32.6 per cent against the same month last year with a market share of 3.4 per cent.
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.
‘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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