Ford Focus (Gyuszko/Bigstock.com)

New registration plates usually mean car sales rise in September, but showrooms have also been busy because of a renewed confidence in the UK economy – that’s according to the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

September saw 425,861 cars sold across the country – a rise of 5.6 per cent on September 2013, and the best sales figures for a September in 10 years.

Year-to-date figures are even more impressive – up 9.1 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: "September's strong performance underlined the continuing robustness of the UK new car market, particularly in the context of last September's bumper volumes.

"Demand for the new 64-plate has been boosted by intensifying confidence in the UK economy, with consumers attracted by a wide range of exciting, increasingly fuel-efficient, new cars."

But Hawes warned that sales were likely to level off as the market find its "natural running rate.”

As has been the case for many years, Ford dominated the top 10 list, with its Fiesta and Focus taking the top two positions. Vauxhall's Corsa completed the top three.

Some experts believe the well-performing UK car market is indicative of the entire economy.

The UK has the second largest car market in the EU, behind Germany. The French car market is almost a third smaller than that of the UK, despite having a slightly larger population.

 

Considering a new car?

The UK sales chart may prove interesting reading for any of our vehicle recovery customers who are considering buying a new car – if they believe there is a correlation between sales figures and reliability.