The UK car market suffered its weakest new-plate September on record.
Just 328,0421 new 70-plate cars were registered last month, the lowest figure since the bi-annual new number plate system was introduced more than two decades ago.
The figure represents a -4.4% contraction in the UK new car market, and is down by some -15.8% on the 10-year average of around 390,000 units for September.
Demand for battery electric and plug-in hybrid models bucked the trend, but overall demand for new cars was hit hard by factors including Brexit uncertainty and the impending unemployment crisis following the end of the Government furlough scheme.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said, “During a torrid year, the automotive industry has demonstrated incredible resilience, but this is not a recovery. Despite the boost of a new registration plate, new model introductions and attractive offers, this is still the poorest September since the two-plate system was introduced in 1999. Unless the pandemic is controlled and economy-wide consumer and business confidence rebuilt, the short-term future looks very challenging indeed.”
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