New car sales surge again

NEW CAR sales have risen again in September thanks to rapid growth in demand from private buyers, according to statistics released today.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that a rise of 16.7% in the private sector helped to drive a ‘super September’ that saw overall sales rise by almost 11% over the same month last year.

The new 63 registration plate has helped drive customers to showrooms across the country, with the latest breed of fuel-efficient, smooth and quiet petrol engines selling particularly strongly.

One in seven new cars registered in the UK was also built on these shores. The overall average CO2 emissions of the 403,136 cars sold was 128.6g/km, with an average fuel economy of 55mpg.

The Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa were the two best-selling cars of the month, with the Ford Focus close behind the Corsa. The Fiesta and Focus are the best-selling cars of the year so far.

“The September new car registrations figure was the highest monthly total since March 2008,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.

“With over 400,000 new cars registered for the first time in more than five years, the UK market is reflecting growing economic confidence.

“Robust private demand has played a major role in this growth with customers attracted by exciting, increasingly fuel-efficient new models that offer savings in the cost of ownership.

“This is the 19th consecutive month of steady growth and, with fleet and business demand still to reach pre-recession levels, we believe the performance to be sustainable. The latest 63-plate should deliver positive results into next year.”

By Press Association reporter