UK new car sales race to record 1.3m
The number of new cars sold in the UK reached a record 1.3 million in the first six months of the year, new figures have shown.
The total of 1,376,889 was 7% higher than the same period last year, with increasing numbers of motorists buying British-made models.
Around one in six buyers chose a UK-manufactured vehicle so far this year – the highest level in five years, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Low interest rates and attractive finance deals, combined with a stream of new models featuring the latest technologies, have continued to encourage consumers to purchase new cars, said the SMMT.
June marked the 40th consecutive month of growth in the new car market with a 12.9% increase over the same month last year to 257,817 vehicles.
The SMMT also reported a strong surge in demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles last month.
Fleet registrations continue to drive the growth in new car sales, although the SMMT said registrations to private customers remained strong.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “It is still a great time to buy a new car in the UK, and it is encouraging to see more consumers choosing British models.
“This is important for the wider economy, with 799,000 people now employed across the UK automotive sector, including retail.
“We anticipate a flatter second half of the year as the market finds its natural running rate.”
