Record UK car sales in September

New 65-plate takes UK new car registrations to September record

• 462,517 new cars registered last month – a rise of 8.6% and the highest September on record.
• Increased demand seen across all fuel types, and from private, fleet and business buyers.
• New number plate means September is traditionally one of the biggest months of the year.
• Year-to-date total registrations pass two million in September for the first time since 2004

New car registrations in the UK reached their highest-ever September total last month, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 462,517 cars were registered in September as buyers took advantage of a range of competitive deals on the latest 65-plate, making it the 43^rd consecutive month of growth in the market.

The total number of cars registered in 2015 so far is 2,096,886 – 7.1% higher than at the same point last year. It is the first time that the two million mark has been passed in September since 2004.

Gains were made across all market sectors – private, fleet and business – while petrol, diesel and alternatively-fuelled vehicles all saw increased demand. In line with typical performance so far this year, registrations of diesel and petrol cars in September grew 4.1% and 12.3% respectively, and alternatively-fuelled vehicles (AFVs) recorded another strong month with volumes up 21.7%. This puts total year-to-date growth at 3.1% for diesel, 9.5% for petrol and 48.7% for AFVs.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, "September is traditionally one of the year’s biggest months for new car registrations, and last month set an autumn record. With plenty of attractive, affordable deals available on the new 65-plate, Britain’s car buyers – whether private, fleet or business consumers – were busier than ever. The market reached pre-recession levels some time ago, and we anticipate some levelling off in the coming months. It is too early to draw conclusions, but customer demand for diesel remained strong, accounting for one in two cars registered.”

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