Record September takes UK new car registrations past two million mark

SMMT figures show that new car registrations in the UK reached their highest-ever September total last month. 462,517 cars were registered in September as buyers took advantage of a range of competitive deals on the latest 65-plate, making it the 43rd consecutive month of growth in the market. This marked a rise of 6 per cent for the month and the highest September on record.

The total number of cars registered in 2015 so far is 2,096,886 – 7.1 per cent higher than at the same point last year. It is the first time that the two million mark has been passed in September since 2004.

Gains were made across all market sectors – private, fleet and business – while petrol, diesel and alternatively-fuelled vehicles all saw increased demand. In line with typical performance so far this year, registrations of diesel and petrol cars in September grew 4.1 per cent and 12.3 per cent respectively, and alternatively-fuelled vehicles (AFVs) recorded another strong month with volumes up 21.7 per cent. This puts total year-to-date growth at 3.1 per cent for diesel, 9.5 per cent for petrol and 48.7 per cent for AFVs.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “September is traditionally one of the year’s biggest months for new car registrations, and last month set an autumn record. With plenty of attractive, affordable deals available on the new 65-plate, Britain’s car buyers – whether private, fleet or business consumers – were busier than ever. The market reached pre-recession levels some time ago, and we anticipate some levelling off in the coming months. It is too early to draw conclusions, but customer demand for diesel remained strong, accounting for one in two cars registered.”

Commenting on the figures,  Sue Robinson, Director of National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK, said:“It is positive to see that the new car market has continued to remain strong during September and the successful plate change reflects growing economic confidence.”

Robinson continued, “In what is typically considered a high volume month for registrations, it brings great news that the 64-plate change this month is the best performing month since September 2004.

“The fleet market remains strong with a 15.2% increase as business confidence grows, and in turn encourages businesses to invest in new vehicles.

“The NFDA is hopeful that the growth and stability of the market shown by the latest plate change will continue through the remainder of the year.”