The car industry in the UK is still booming. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have shown that new car registrations grew 7% in the first six months of 2015. With total registrations of 1,376,889 cars, it’s the highest half-year figure since records began.
The upwards movement isn’t just a blip, either. June 2015 marks the 40th consecutive month of growth in the market, with registrations up 12.9% on May.
The SMMT data also shows changes in our purchasing habits. Patriotism is alive and well with 13.9% of consumers choosing a car manufactured in the UK – the highest level in five years. With nearly 800,000 people in the UK employed across the automotive sector it’s a while since the domestic car manufacturing picture looked this rosy.
As you might imagine, alternatively fuelled vehicles are on the rise with volumes increasing by 70.9% compared to May figures. The vast majority of these are electric vehicles operated by fleet users, but registrations to private buyers remain strong.
With attractive finance packages and low interest rates becoming ever more prevalent, more and more people are taking the plunge and purchasing a new car. Combine this with a glut of new models featuring some incredible technological innovations and the market seems to have a good recipe for continued growth.
Chief Executive of SMMT, Mike Hawes, said, ‘It is still a great time to buy a new car in the UK, and it is encouraging to see more consumers choosing British models. This is important to the wider economy with 799,000 people now employed across the UK automotive sector, including retail.
No surprises regarding the best selling cars this month – the Ford Fiesta comes in first with more than 20,000 sales over the Vauxhall Corsa in second place. The Ford Focus brings home third.
Now check out our full list of the UK’s best selling cars…
