Lifestyle

South: SMMT reports longest-ever period of growth for new car market

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TBM Team

Continued growth in the UK new car market in May marked 27 consecutive months of growth, breaking a record set in the late 1980s, said trade association the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

New car registrations increased 7.7% in the month to 194,032 units – the most in May since 2004, and registrations for 2014 to date have passed the one million mark, rising 11.6% to 1,058,974 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "The new car market has now grown in every month since March 2012 – the longest period of growth on record and a reflection of the UK’s ever-improving economic conditions.

"Over the past 27 months, increasingly-confident consumers have been drawn to some fantastic new products, attracted by innovative technologies, improved fuel economy and competitive deals helping make a new car more affordable.

"With SMMT forecasting an overall rise of around 6% over the year, the coming months should see some levelling off in growth rates as underlying demand stabilises.”

SMMT supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media.

TBM Team

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