UK new car registrations grew 7% in the first half of 2015 to the highest half-year total on record

Figures released this morning by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 1,376,889 cars were registered between January and June – higher than the previous record of 1,376,565 in the same period in 2004.

June marked the 40th consecutive month of growth in the market with a 12.9% increase in the month to 257,817 units. A significant feature of recent months has been a strong surge in demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles, and this was once again the case in June with volumes rising 70.9%. Fleet registrations continue to drive the growth, up 18.9% year-on-year, now representing 52.8% of the market, compared to a 50.1% slice last year. Year-to-date fleet registrations are up 13.1%. Private registrations were up 6.6% in June compared to the same month in 2014. Year-to-date, they’re up 2.1%.

Mike Hawes (pictured), SMMT chief executive, 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 for the wider economy with 799,000 people now employed across the UK automotive sector, including retail. We anticipate a flatter second half of the year as the market finds its natural running rate."

Low interest rates and attractive finance deals, combined with a wealth of new models featuring the latest technologies, have continued to encourage consumers to purchase new cars, he said. “It is extremely positive to see the new car market has now achieved 40 consecutive months of growth