November sales show UK is Europe's second-largest car market

UK new car registrations rose 11.3 per cent to 149,191 units in November, on the back of increased private demand. The UK new car market has grown 5.4 per cent to 1,921,052 units during the January-November period, putting the full year market on track to be the best since 2008.

The figures show that the UK is now the second largest new car market in Europe – ahead of France and behind Germany – following growth in the UK over the last 10 months and a drop in demand in the other big markets. 

Said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive: “The upward trend has been driven by private retail customers. The outlook for 2013 remains challenging, but vehicle manufacturers and their dealers will continue to work hard to attract motorists to their showrooms and deliver outstanding value.” Registrations by private buyers increased by more than a fifth in November and by 12.9 per cent over the year-to-date. 

The UK new car market has grown in every month since March and the 11.3 per cent rise in November ensured the second successive month of double digit growth. Despite this, volumes remain some 15 per cent or more below the pre-recession annual markets of 2.4 million units and above.