SMMT announces September figures, which are 5.6% up in last year and the best since 2004.

• 425,861 new cars registered in the key month of September, a rise of 5.6% and the biggest September since 2004.
• New ‘64’ numberplate boosts volumes, with September marking the 31^st consecutive month of growth in the new car market.
• Registrations for the year-to-date reach 1,958,196 – up 9.1% on January-September 2013.
• September and March – the months of the plate change – together account for a third of a year’s registrations.
• After March’s 18% surge, September’s more moderate growth indicates demand starting to level off.
• Average new car registered in September achieves 59mpg (combined cycle), and CO₂ emissions of 122.3 g/km.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, "September’s strong performance underlined the continuing robustness of the UK new car market, particularly in the context of last September’s bumper volumes.

"Demand for the new 64-plate has been boosted by intensifying confidence in the UK economy, with consumers attracted by a wide range of exciting, increasingly fuel-efficient, new cars. In the months since March – which saw an 18% jump in registrations – the growth has shown signs of levelling off as the market starts to find its natural running rate."

Growth levelling off: quarterly increases in new car registrations, Q1 2013 to date

About SMMT and the UK automotive industry

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media. 

The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for more than £64 billion turnover and £12 billion value added. With more than 160,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and in excess of770,000 across the wider automotive industry, it accounts for 10% of total UK export of goods and invests£1.9 billion each year in automotive R&D. More than 30 manufacturers build in excess of 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by around 2,500 component providers and some of the world's most skilled engineers.