UK car market sees continued growth
The new car market recorded its 42nd consecutive month of growth in August – albeit in one of the year’s quietest months – according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. New car registrations increased 9.6% to 79,060 for the month, taking year-to-date growth to a healthy 6.7%.
Gains were made across all sectors and all fuel types, with registrations in the private, business and fleet markets up 7.2%, 11.8% and 12.1% respectively. The market for alternatively-fuelled vehicles, meanwhile, grew 52.3% year on year, maintaining a steady 2.4% share of the overall market.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive said, ‘August’s strong performance has again been driven by attractive finance deals and a diverse range of technologically advanced models. Britain’s budget-conscious buyers are taking advantage of low regular monthly payments that provide certainty and affordability. With September’s new 65-plate now in full swing, we expect UK showrooms to be as busy as ever.’
