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The UK new car market saw a big increase in demand during August, with registrations up 23% overall.
However, analysts have said this is likely to have been influenced by the adoption of NEDC-correlated WLTP economy and emissions data from the start of September - a move that prompted dealers to offer money-saving deals to rid themselves of the old stock.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that year-on-year, registrations to fleets with 25 or more vehicles were up by 19.7%; and fleets with fewer than 25 vehicles were up by 166.4%, though they are still only a small part of the market.
Sales to private consumers rose by 23.3%.
August was also a big month for hybrid and electric vehicle registrations, which accounted for 8% of the market - the highest total ever recorded.
Petrol car registrations were up by 39.1%, while diesels were down by 7.7%.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "It's great to see such strong growth, particularly in the important electric vehicle market.
"However, given August is always a small month in new car registrations ahead of the important plate-change month of September, it would be wrong to view the market as booming.
"Indeed, this past month has seen some significant variances as regulatory changes have disrupted some supplies. In the long term, however, the new emissions certification test will give consumers renewed confidence in the performance of all vehicles, helping them choose the latest, cleanest technology that best suits their driving needs - whether that be petrol, diesel, hybrid or plug-in."
Reacting to the figures, Close Brothers Motor Finance director of sales Sean Kemple said: "This spike in car registrations is almost certainly a reaction to WLTP, which shifts into gear during September.
"Manufacturers have offered a wealth of incentives to shift stock before the new rules come into play, with dealers and customers alike benefitting from the race to outrun the new regulation."
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