All LCV market segements recorded growth in the month, but the only one not to record a double digit increase as the large van over 2.0t sector, which posted a 1.8% increase in registrations.
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Registrations were up 6% to 462K new cars.
In a sign of rude United Kingdom economic health, the number of new cars rolling out onto the country’s roads had its best ever September. “September marked the 43rd month of year-on-year gains, but analysts warned it the rate of growth was unlikely to be sustained”.
Nearly half a million cars were registered last month, with fleet and business registrations responsible for more than half the new auto market, up nearly 15% on September, 2014.
It is traditionally a strong selling month because of the registration plate change and typically accounts for almost a fifth of annual sales.
Elsewhere, appetite for alternatively-fuelled vehicles continues to grow, with sales up 21.7 per cent in September compared to previous year.
Petrol power has risen slightly from 48.3% in 2014 to 49.4%, while the market share of alternatively fuelled vehicles has got up from 1.9% in 2014 to 2.7%.
“It is too early to draw conclusions, but customer demand for diesel remained strong, accounting for one in two cars registered”, said SMMT chief exec Mike Hawes.
‘The market reached pre-recession levels a few time ago, and we anticipate a few levelling off in the coming months.
Reuters’ United Kingdom office reports on this and also says diesel vehicle sales seem to not have been affected.
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Figures for October – released this time next month – are likely to paint a far more accurate picture as to what effect the VW scandal will have on sales for the brand, and whether motorists are starting to shun diesel motors due to fears over future costs.
