SMMT Announces UK Car Market Growth of 2.9 % for November 2017

Published Date: 9th Dec 2016

Car registrations in the UK hit 184,101 units for November, which is an increase of 2.9% compared to same period in 2015 the market increasing by a steady 2.9%, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The growth has helped deliver more than 2.5 million new cars on to British roads so far this year – the first time the milestone has been reached in November.

  • November saw a rise of 2.9% in the new car market, with a total of 184,101 vehicles registered on British roads.
  • Vehicles that are alternatively fuelled achieved a record market share of 3.6%, which is an increase of 25% for the same month last year.
  • A Total of 2,514,764 new cars have been registered so far in 2016 – a record breaking figure.

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Demand for Vehicles that are alternatively fuelled stayed strong in November, growing 25.1% to 6,663 units, representing 3.6% of the market – the highest ever achieved. Petrol registrations grew 7.9% to 88,541 units, while diesels just edged ahead on market share with 88,897 vehicles registered, a fall of -2.9%.

The Supermini is still the most popular body style – accounting for 29.7% of all new cars registered in November 2016, followed closely by small family cars and SUVs. Executive and city cars enjoyed the biggest growth, up 27.7% and 25% respectively. Meanwhile, fleets accounted for more than half of the market, as registrations to private buyers fell slightly by -1.2%.

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Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, announced -

Our industry continues to make vehicles that are ever safer, more refined, more efficient and more enjoyable to drive – and the latest advanced technology and cutting-edge designs are continuing to attract buyers into showrooms. It’s encouraging to see that alternatively fuelled vehicles, although still a small proportion of the market, have seen strong growth this month achieving a record market share. Long-term government support and incentives are essential if these vehicles are to command a larger market share in the future.

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