Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that UK new car market grew for the 14th month in a row in September, up 21% to 272,610 registrations.
Sales to large fleets rose 40.8% to 143,256 units while private consumer demand grew 5.8% to 122,944 units.
Meanwhile, sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles were up 50.9%, hybrid electric vehicles were up 30.7% and battery electric vehicles recorded their 41st consecutive month of growth, rising 18.9% to 45,323 units.
Elsewhere, the new light commercial vehicle market grew for the ninth month in a row, up 28.1% with 44,760 vans, pickups and 4x4s joining UK roads.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “A bumper September means the new car market remains strong despite economic challenges. However, with tougher EV targets for manufacturers coming into force next year, we need to accelerate the transition, encouraging all motorists to make the switch.
“This means adding carrots to the stick – creating private purchase incentives aligned with business benefits, equalising on-street charging VAT with off-street domestic rates and mandating chargepoint rollout in line with how electric vehicle sales are now to be dictated. The forthcoming Autumn Statement is the perfect opportunity to create the conditions that will deliver the zero emission mobility essential to our shared net zero ambition.”
