Currently reading: UK car market records 18 months of growth
The UK new car market has grown for the 18th consecutive month, August 2013 was the fifth period of double-digit growth

The UK new car market expanded for the 18th month in succession in August, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

New car registrations grew by 10.9 per cent in August, the fifth successive month of double-digit growth. Registrations of all fuel types continued to grow. “Alternatively-fuelled” vehicles increased by 41.1 per cent.

A total of 65,937 new cars were registered in August, with diesel sales of 32,903 edging those of petrol models by 795. Alternative fuel vehicles grew to 926 units and represented 1.4 per cent of the market last month.

SMMT boss Mike Hawes said: "UK new car registrations have now risen consecutively for a year and a half. Private and fleet buyers are clearly capitalising on attractive deals and new technologies against a backdrop of increasing economic confidence. 

"Ahead of the September plate-change, August always has far fewer registrations, but the 10.9 per cent rise this month bodes well for the new 63-plate."

UK new car registrations, August 2013 

Ford Fiesta 3289 units

Vauxhall Astra 2428 units

Volkswagen Golf 2233 units

Ford Focus 2225 units

Vauxhall Corsa 2151 units

BMW 1-series 1927 units

Nissan Qashqai 1875 units

BMW 3-series 1517 units

Volkswagen Polo 1442 units

Vauxhall Insignia 1147 units

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xxxx 5 September 2013

Good to see

Good to see "Alternatively-fuelled vehicles increased by 41.1 per cent" that's a huge growth that seems to happen every month. And that's before the BMW i3 comes on stream

Peter Cavellini 5 September 2013

So.........?!

Barely a thousand alternative fuel cars sold eh?,Diesel's not so dominant either?,but, on the whole car sales are good,the only bad news is the EU want to fit limiters to all cars,so the fastest you could do is 70mph!,reckons it will safe more lives(in Europe maybe!) and less Co2 as well, Britain is going to fight it though.

kendwilcox47 5 September 2013

Sorry Peter you are wrong;

Peter.
The EU do not want to fit limiters to all cars, what they are going to do is
check it out.
Is it the right thing to do,is it safe and what ever then they will talk about it
and ask what others think.
I understand we will tell them no way.

xxxx 5 September 2013

complete list

Anyone know where you can get ALL new car registrations totals from?
The HowmanyLeft site doesn't really do it and I believe SMMT get the figures from the DVLA so I don't see why I should pay SMMT for them!