The UK new car market rose by 13.7% in September to reach 312,891 registrations.
The performance was the strongest for the crucial ‘new numberplate’ month since September 2020, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The biggest increase was recorded by fleets, where volumes rose 16.9% to reach 174,336 units.
Private consumer demand rose 8.9% to 131,003 units, while business registrations rose 28.6% to reach 7,552 deliveries.
.Sales of pure battery electric vehicles (BEV) grew by almost a third to 72,779 in September, accounting for 23.3% of the market
September typically accounts for around one in seven annual registrations and the strong performance offers a welcome boost after a summer slowdown.
Demonstrating the sector’s resilience, overall demand year to date is up 4.2%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “Electrified vehicles are powering market growth after a sluggish summer – and with record ZEV uptake, massive industry investment is paying off, despite demand still trailing ambition.
“The Electric Car Grant will help to break down one of the barriers holding back more drivers from making the switch – and tackling remaining roadblocks, by unlocking infrastructure investment and driving down energy costs, will be crucial to the success of the industry and the environmental goals we share.”
