The UK new car market recorded its ninth consecutive month of growth and best August since the introduction of the biannual plate change, with registrations up 13.7% to 94,236.
The SMMT, which published the data, downplayed the result saying September, a plate change month, accounting for one in seven new cars sold, would be the acid test
Fleet registrations rose 10.1% to account for 57.2% of the market, while private demand grew strongly, up 19.0% on last year to comprise 40.8% of registrations. The smaller business sector, representing 2% of the market, also posted an increase, up 14.5%.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) posted the strongest growth, up 39.8% to account for 14.5% of registrations, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) rose 26.3% with 12.7% of the market.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) increased 27.7% to claim 29.8% of overall uptake. This was the second highest monthly share of the year so far, following a recurring seasonal spike seen every August since 2023 and helped by lower overall volumes amplifying percentage shifts.2
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “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. The industry is doing everything it can to help drivers switch, but mandate targets must be grounded in the reality of demand.
“Government’s review is the right move so we can ensure the transition is kept on track, consumer choice protected and the jobs and investment necessary to deliver net zero and economic growth are safeguarded.”
