March becomes the biggest month for new car sales in the new Millenium, nearly 500,000.

• Best month this century with nearly half a million, 492,774, cars registered in March, up 6.0% on same month last year.
• Fleet market continues to drive growth, highlighting confidence of British businesses‎.
• Contribution to economy and job creation from UK automotive underscores need for consistent policies to let the sector flourish‎.

Figures released today show 492,774 cars were registered in March 2015 - the best month since the twice-yearly number plate changes were introduced in 1999. 

New products and attractive finance packages underpinned by low interest rates helped deliver this record result which was led by the fleet sector, with 11.6% year-on-year growth, reflecting the economic confidence currently felt by UK companies. Registrations so far this year have increased by 6.8% to 734,588.

The 37^th month of consecutive growth for the new car market shows the continuing demand for new products and new fuel-efficient and advanced technologies. The UK market surpassed pre-recession levels some seven months ago, helping bolster the economy and drive it out of recession. This growth, supported by domestic manufacturing, has attracted more than £14 billion of investment since 2011, creating almost 30,000 additional jobs. 

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The best month this century for new car registrations is a welcome boost for the UK’s thriving automotive sector. The challenge for a new government and industry will be to maintain this momentum and to strengthen Britain’s manufacturing capabilities through continued investment, innovation and policies which maintain our global competitiveness. Whatever the general election result, the new government must keep up the commitment to the sector which is delivering at home and abroad.”

SMMT priorities for a new government: 

Industrial Strategy: With 257,300 UK-built cars rolling off production lines in the first two months of 2015, UK car production is expected to exceed pre-recession levels this year, buoyed by a strong export market that delivered revenues of £26.2 billion in 2014. The continued delivery of the Automotive Sector Strategy through the Automotive Council will be essential in developing the supply chain, skills, technology and business environment to assure global competitiveness.

Innovation and investment: Vehicle technology, including ultra-low emission vehicles and connectivity, is developing and diversifying at a staggering pace. Increasing the rate of R&D tax credit and bolstering funding for long-term initiatives such as the Advanced Propulsion Centre will help UK manufacturers lead this innovation. Investment in skills will ensure the UK workforce has the capabilities to develop and manufacture the next generation of technologies.

Europe: Membership of the European Union is critical to the UK automotive industry; the sector’s competitiveness is dependent on access to the European single market, integrated supply chains, international trade agreements, common regulations, funding for innovation and free movement of labour. SMMT members want to see reform of the EU with greater emphasis on industrial competitiveness and better regulation but believe membership of the EU remains best for business.

March new car registrations 1999-2015   

March			Total	Diesel	Petrol			AFV		Private	Fleet		Business
2015			492,774	229,357	249,082			14,335		253,043	219,153		20,578
2014			464,824	222,409	233,702			8,713		246,488	196,304		22,032
% change			6.0%	3.1%	6.6%			64.5%		2.7%	11.6%		-6.6%
Mkt share '15				46.5%	50.5%			2.9%		51.4%	44.5%		4.2%
Mkt share '14				47.8%	50.3%			1.9%		53.0%	42.2%		4.7%
Year-to-date			Total	Diesel	Petrol			AFV		Private	Fleet		Business
2015			734,588	349,741	364,062			20,785		351,571	354,690		28,327
2014			688,122	334,962	340,376			12,784		347,668	309,545		30,909
% change			6.8%	4.4%	7.0%			62.6%		1.1%	14.6%		-8.4%
Mkt share '15				47.6%	49.6%			2.8%		47.9%	48.3%		3.9%
Mkt share '14				48.7%	49.5%			1.9%		50.5%	45.0%		4.5%
			2008	2009	2010			2011		2012	2013		2014
Total cars			2,131,795	1,994,999	2,030,846			1,941,253		2,044,609	2,264,737		2,476,435
Best sellers		March							Year-to-date
	1	Ford Fiesta			27,034		1		Ford Fiesta			39,804
	2	Vauxhall Corsa			19,391		2		Vauxhall Corsa			29,100
	3	Ford Focus			15,442		3		Ford Focus			22,287
	4	Nissan Qashqai			12,210		4		Volkswagen Golf			19,435
	5	Volkswagen Golf			11,871		5		Nissan Qashqai			18,686
	6	Volkswagen Polo			10,038		6		Vauxhall Astra			15,009
	7	Vauxhall Astra			9,617		7		Volkswagen Polo			14,821
	8	Audi A3			9,101		8		Audi A3			14,358
	9	Mercedes-Benz C-Class			8,755		9		Mercedes-Benz C-Class			13,975
	10	Fiat 500			8,662		10		Fiat 500			13,243