The UK car market posted a 12.1% rise in September, with registrations reaching 350,518 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The increase marks the tenth straight month of growth.
September registrations hit new high
This September performance is the strongest for the month since 2017. GlobalData projects the annual total at around 2.2 million units, propelled by intense competition from recent Chinese brand entrants.
Plate-change months like September typically represent about one-seventh of yearly registrations. Improved consumer confidence and steadier GDP growth have supported the upward trend, while intensified competition has drawn buyers who might otherwise have chosen used cars.
Jaecoo 7 leads September sales
The Jaecoo 7 led September’s sales chart, echoing its March success, a pattern common in the two plate-change periods when manufacturers concentrate marketing and discounts.
Ford’s Puma holds the year-to-date top spot.
Electrified vehicles lead growth
Fleet registrations climbed 9.6% to 190,988 units, accounting for 54.5% of the sector’s activity. Private purchases rose 13.9% to 149,158 units, while the small-business segment grew 37.6% to 10,372 units.
Electrified models captured a record 58.4% of all registrations. Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) share slipped 4.2% to 13.1%, whereas plug-in hybrid (PHEV) volumes jumped 55.7%, reaching a 17.0% market share.
Battery electric cars surged 36.3%, delivering 99,199 units and a 28.3% share – roughly five new registrations each minute, more than double the pace three years ago.
Since the start of 2023, the range of battery electric options has more than doubled, with 178 models now available. Combined with over 110 plug-in hybrids and 50 hybrids, the UK’s electrified offering now represents more than three quarters of new cars available.
Challenges ahead for electric targets
In the first nine months, 454,945 battery electric cars were registered, representing 26.2% of total sales – still short of the 33% share mandated for 2026 and below last year’s 28% goal.
Achieving the 33% target would require an additional 265,000 electric registrations in the final quarter alone, showing the gap between policy aspirations and current demand.
SMMT described the upcoming zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) Mandate review as a chance to align the transition with long-term growth.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “September’s record EV performance is a major achievement. Drivers are increasingly adopting the growing choice of models made available and high fuel prices are also undoubtedly giving more consumers reason to consider going electric. The industry’s commitment is clear with billions of pounds of investment in new models, new technology and incentives. Despite all these factors, uptake remains behind mandated targets, and while flexibilities help, the UK still has the world’s toughest targets and highest energy costs. The Mandate review is an opportunity to review those factors, to build on this momentum and support consumers but, in doing so, strengthen business viability and UK competitiveness.”
