New cars are pouring onto UK roads at a faster rate than ever, led by Wales.
SMMT figures show 184,101 new cars were registered in the UK this November, with the market increasing by a steady 2.9%.
The growth has helped deliver more than 2.5 million new cars on to British roads so far this year – the first time the milestone has been reached in November.
Demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) remained strong in the month, growing 25.1% to 6,663 units, representing 3.6% of the market – the highest ever achieved.
Petrol registrations grew 7.9% to 88,541 units, while diesels just edged ahead on market share with 88,897 vehicles registered, a fall of -2.9%.
Superminis continued to be the most popular body style – making up more than a quarter (29.7%) of all cars registered in November, followed by small family cars and SUVs.
Executive and city cars enjoyed the biggest growth, up 27.7% and 25% respectively.
November UK top ten | Meanwhile, fleets accounted for more than half of the market, as registrations to private buyers fell slightly by -1.2%. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Our industry continues to make vehicles that are ever safer, more refined, more efficient and more enjoyable to drive – and the latest advanced technology and cutting-edge designs are continuing to attract buyers into showrooms. “It’s encouraging to see that alternatively fuelled vehicles, although still a small proportion of the market, have seen strong growth this month achieving a record market share. Long-term government support and incentives are essential if these vehicles are to command a larger market share in the future.” |
Fiesta Astra Golf Corsa Focus Qashqai MINI Polo Audi A3 MB C Class |
New car sales in Wales went up the most in the UK last month.
Buyers took delivery of 6,160 new models, a 5.1% rise over the same month in 2015.
Wales best sellers in November | The UK’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market achieved a record-breaking performance in November. The SMMT said 29,784 new vans hit the roads last month – the most for two decades. A 43.1% uplift in smaller vans weighing 2.0-2.5T drove growth in the month, while demand for versatile pick-ups also continued to rise – by a significant 36.7%. Demand for heavier vans, meanwhile, fell for the second consecutive month, with registrations for vehicles weighing 2.5-3.5T down -4.4%. However, year-to-date this segment remains strong, up 7.0% in the first 11 months of the year, and accounting for 62% of the market. |
Fiesta Corsa Focus Polo Golf Qashqai Kuga Astra MINI Sandero |