The UK new car market rose by 13.7% in September to reach 312,891 registrations, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The performance was the strongest for the ‘new numberplate’ month since September 2020 which, despite lockdown restrictions, remains the best so far this decade.
All market sectors drove growth, with the biggest increase recorded by fleets, where volumes rose 16.9%. Private consumer demand also rose, up 8.9%, while business registrations rose 28.6%.
More than half (50.8%) of all new vehicles registered during the 75-plate month were electrified. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) were the fastest growing powertrain, rising 56.4% to achieve a 12.2% market share, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) comprised 15.3% of deliveries. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake grew by 29.1%, on par with the growth seen so far this year. It was the best month on record for BEV volumes, accounting for 23.3% of the market.
Zero emission vehicles comprise of 22.1% of new cars registered so far in 2025.
Meanwhile, UK deliveries of new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) dipped by -2.1% in September with 47,418 vans, pickups and 4x4s registered.
The modest drop continues 2025’s downward trend, with registrations down -9.8% year to date.
Conversely, new electric van (EV) registrations continued their strong upward trajectory, rising 41.1% year-on-year to 4,262 units – the most ever recorded in a single month, achieving a market share of 8.9%. Year-to-date BEV volumes are up 55.9% on 2024 to represent 9.1% of all new registrations.
More information on the SMMT website: Automotive Industry News UK - SMMT.
