November new car sales up 2.9 per cent

184,101 new cars were registered in the UK this November, with the market increasing by a steady 2.9 per cent, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The growth has helped deliver more than 2.5 million new cars on to British roads so far this year – the first time the milestone has been reached in November.

Demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) remained strong in the month, growing 25.1 per cent to 6,663 units, representing 3.6 per cent of the market – the highest ever achieved. Petrol registrations grew 7.9 per cent to 88,541 units, while diesels just edged ahead on market share with 88,897 vehicles registered, a fall of -2.9 per cent.

Superminis continued to be the most popular body style – making up more than a quarter (29.7 per cent) of all cars registered in November, followed by small family cars and SUVs. Executive and city cars enjoyed the biggest growth, up 27.7 per cent and 25 per cent respectively. Meanwhile, fleets accounted for more than half of the market, as registrations to private buyers fell slightly by -1.2 per cent.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Our industry continues to make vehicles that are ever safer, more refined, more efficient and more enjoyable to drive – and the latest advanced technology and cutting-edge designs are continuing to attract buyers into showrooms. It’s encouraging to see that alternatively fuelled vehicles, although still a small proportion of the market, have seen strong growth this month achieving a record market share. Long-term government support and incentives are essential if these vehicles are to command a larger market share in the future.”