New cars sales in Britain last month were the most that have ever been recorded for the month of September since records began.
This is according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which reports that 469,696 new cars were sold in September 2016. That total surpasses any previously recorded figure for this particular month.
This was the first month that newly registered cars switched to the new 66 number plate, replacing the 16 plate which had been in use since March. The first month of a new number plate is naturally a time when an upsurge in the performance of new car sales occurs.
The SMMT adds that so far in 2016, the total number of new cars sold in Britain this year has now surpassed two million thanks to the record-breaking performance in September. The precise total figure after nine months of this year is 2,150,495.
This is only the second time Britain’s new car market has surpassed the two million mark in September since 2004.
Huge surge in popularity of alternative fuel vehicles
Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) enjoyed particularly strong growth last month. Compared to September last year, registrations for these type of cars has increased by 32.6 per cent. AFVs now command an overall market share of 3.4 per cent.
The chief executive of the SMMT, Mike Hawes, said: “The new 66-plate, combined with a diverse range of exciting new models featuring the latest technology, has certainly helped draw buyers into showrooms and many are taking full advantage of the attractive deals and low interest financing options on offer.
“However, business and consumers place September orders many months in advance, so the ability of the market to maintain this record level of demand will depend on the ability of government to overcome political uncertainty and safeguard the conditions that underpin consumer appetite.”
