The UK new car market grew by 23.5% year-on-year in November, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The total of 142,889 registrations represented the best November figure since 2019, but was still 8.8% on the performance seen three years ago,
The fleet sector was chiefly responsible for last month’s growth, continuing its recent recovery with a 45.4% year-on-year increase, taking 51.9% of the market.
Private sales were up by 2.7% for a 45% market share, while business registrations – those to fleets with fewer than 25 vehicles – were up by 112.2%, though still made up only 3.1% of the market.
In terms of fuel mix, it was another strong month for battery EV registrations, which rose by 35.2% year-on-year for a 20.6% market share – the largest it has taken this year.
Plug-in hybrid registrations fell by 5.7%, taking 7.1% of the market, but conventional hybrids were up by 66.9% for an 11.2% share, which the SMMT said was driven particularly by fleet operators looking for flexibility and emissions reductions.
Mild hybrid petrol registrations were up by 45%, for a 12.5% market share, and mild hybrid diesels were up by 18.6% for a 4.3% market share.
Pure petrol registrations continue to lead the market, with a 15% increase for a 40.3% market share, while diesels were down by 5.6%, accounting for 3.9% of the market.
Reacting to the figures, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Recovery for Britain’s new car market is back within our grasp, energised by electrified vehicles and the sector’s resilience in the face of supply and economic challenges.
“As the sector looks to ensure that growth is sustainable for the long term, urgent measures are required – not least a fair approach to driving EV adoption that recognises these vehicles remain more expensive, and measures to compel investment in a charging network that is built ahead of need.
“By doing so we can encourage consumer appetite across the country and accelerate the UK’s journey to net zero.”