August see's more growth in the UK despite all the doom mongers and the withdrawal from Europe.

SMMT NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS

• UK new car registrations increase 3.3% in August to 81,640 units, with YTD performance steady at 1.68m.
• Fleet sector drives market, with demand in the month growing 7.7% as private registrations fall -0.2%.
• Registrations of alternatively fuelled vehicles up almost a third (30.8%).

The UK new car market achieved modest growth in August, as registrations rose 3.3% against the same month last year, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 81,640 new cars were registered in the month, with year-to-date performance remaining positive, up 2.8% to 1.68 million units.

The fleet sector drove the growth with demand, buoyed by attractive finance deals and discounts, rising 7.7% to 43,267, while private registrations fell slightly by -0.2%. Diesel demand also fell marginally by -0.2%, with petrol registrations edging ahead 5.3% and alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFV) seeing significant growth of 30.8%. Almost 54,000 AFVs have been registered so far in 2016, compared with just over 44,000 last year.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “August is traditionally one of the quietest months as consumers look ahead to the September plate change, so growth, albeit small, is good news. With showrooms full of exciting models featuring the very latest technology and a raft of affordable finance options, it still makes economic sense to consider buying a new car. The key to maintaining this strong market is consumer confidence for which we look to government to deliver the conditions for economic growth.”