The UK new car market grew by a steady 3.2 per cent in the first six months of the year, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
1,420,636 new cars have been registered so far in 2016 – the best half-year performance ever recorded.
Growth was reported across all fuel types, with diesel and petrol registrations growing 2.3 per cent and 3.0 per cent respectively in the year-to-date.
Alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs), continued the significant gains seen over previous months, up 21.3 per cent compared with the first six months of 2015.
AFVs now account for 3.2 per cent of the overall new car market.
However, demand for new cars fell slightly in June with a -0.8 per cent fall in registrations, meeting expectations that market growth would stabilise following a record 2015.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It is far too soon to determine whether the referendum result has had an impact on the new car market.
“The first six months saw strong demand at record levels but the market undoubtedly cooled over the second quarter.
“It’s important government takes every measure to restore business and economic confidence to avoid the market contracting in the coming months.”
