South: March was best month this century for car registration, says SMMT

Figures released today show that 492,774 cars were registered in March 2015 – making it the best month since the twice-yearly number plate changes were introduced in 1999.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says new products and attractive finance packages underpinned by low interest rates helped deliver this record result which was led by the fleet sector, with 11.6% year-on-year growth, reflecting the economic confidence currently felt by UK companies. Registrations so far this year have increased by 6.8% to 734,588.

The 37th month of consecutive growth for the new car market shows the continuing demand for new products and new fuel-efficient and advanced technologies. The UK market surpassed pre-recession levels some seven months ago, helping bolster the economy and drive it out of recession. This growth, supported by domestic manufacturing, has attracted more than £14 billion of investment since 2011, creating almost 30,000 additional jobs.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The best month this century for new car registrations is a welcome boost for the UK’s thriving automotive sector. The challenge for a new government and industry will be to maintain this momentum and to strengthen Britain’s manufacturing capabilities through continued investment, innovation and policies which maintain our global competitiveness. Whatever the general election result, the new government must keep up the commitment to the sector which is delivering at home and abroad."