“Today’s figures showing new car registrations up 12.1% in September, the strongest September since 2017 and a tenth consecutive month of growth, demonstrate the resilience of the sector. Franchised dealers continue to work hard to give consumers the choice, advice and support they need when buying a new vehicle,” said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, commenting on the latest SMMT new car registration figures.
In September, a total of 350,518 new cars were registered. Sales to private buyers increased by 13.9% to 149,158 units, whilst fleet deliveries also rose, up 9.6% to 190,988 units.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) saw the largest growth, with a record 99,199 units registered, a 36.3% increase, taking a 28.3% share of the market. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) registered 59,563 units, a 55.7% increase, while hybrids (HEVs) accounted for 13.1% of the market. Diesel saw 14,057 registered, with petrol registering 131,861.
Year-to-date BEV share stands at 26.2%, still below the 33% required under the ZEV Mandate for 2026.
Sue Robinson added:
“What’s particularly encouraging is that manufacturers and dealers are meeting consumer demand for electric vehicles, with a record month for EV sales. We will continue to call on the Government to review the punitive ZEV Mandate, which is unnecessarily distorting the market.”