The UK new car market powered ahead in September, with registrations up 12.1% to 350,518 units.
It was the 10th consecutive month of growth and the strongest September since 2017, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Fleet registrations rose 9.6% to 190,988 units, representing 54.5% of the market, while private demand increased 13.9% to 149,158 units and a 42.6% share. Registrations by the smaller business sector grew 37.6% to 10,372 units.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) demand climbed 36.3% to a record high volume of 99,199 units with market share up five percentage points to 28.3%.
A total of 454,945 new BEVs have now been registered in the first nine months of the year, accounting for 26.2% of registrations, which is below the 33% mandated for 2026.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, continued to lobby for a change to the ZEV Mandate.
“September’s record EV performance is a major achievement. Drivers are increasingly embracing the growing choice of models made available and high fuel prices are also undoubtedly giving more consumers reason to consider going electric.
“The industry’s commitment is clear with billions of pounds of investment in new models, new technology and incentives.
“Despite all these factors, uptake remains behind mandated targets and, whilst flexibilities help, the UK still has the world’s toughest targets and highest energy costs.
“The Mandate review is an opportunity to review those factors, to build on this momentum and support consumers but, in doing so, strengthen business viability and UK competitiveness.”
