New car sales roar to strongest September in five years

New car sales enjoyed their strongest September since 2020 last month as demand grows for electric vehicles, industry figures show. 

Car registrations rose by 13.7 per cent compared with the same month a year earlier to 312,887, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

September is a key month for the industry as the issuing of new number plates tends to boost demand.

Boost: New car sales enjoyed their strongest September since 2020 last month as demand grows for electric vehicles

Last month’s growth was strongest for sales to businesses but there was also an 8.9 per cent boost for private consumer demand to 131,000.

The SMMT said it was the best month on record for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) which accounted for 23.3 per cent of registrations. 

Demand was boosted by government subsidies.

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