Market growth continues in UK

The UK new car market has recorded nine consecutive months of growth after registrations in August increased by 13.7 per cent from the same month last year.

Latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show 94,236 new cars were sold last month, with growth recorded across all sales types. 

Fleet registrations rose 10.1 per cent year-on-year to snare 57.2 per cent of the market, while private demand went up by 19 per cent to comprise 40.8 per cent of registrations. 

The smaller business sector, representing two per cent of the market, posted an increase of 14.5 per cent.

Every powertrain option except petrol was also on the rise in August.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) posted the strongest growth, up 39.8 per cent to account for 14.5% of registrations, while hybrids rose 26.3 per cent and held 12.7 per cent of the market. 

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) increased 27.7 per cent to claim 29.8 per cent of overall uptake, the category’s second-highest monthly share of the year so far.

The SMMT notes drivers in the UK can choose from more than 170 zero-emissions models across every segment. However, it adds the two biggest barriers to switching – price and charging anxiety – remain. 

Mike Hawes, pictured, chief executive, says: “August was a bright spot for the new car market and another strong month for electric car uptake, showing that motorists are responding to the huge choice and compelling offers available. 

“But August is a low-volume month, so September will be the acid test.”