The UK new car market saw registrations increase by 13.7% year-on-year in August, marking the ninth consecutive month of growth.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the 94,236 registrations during the month – usually quiet ahead of the September number plate change – was the biggest total seen since biannual plate changes were introduced in 2001.
The growth was spearheaded by retail registrations, which were up by 19% year-on-year to take 40.8% of the market. Fleet registrations were up by 10.1% for a 57.2% market share, and small business registrations were up by 14.5%, taking 2% of the market.
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Big month for EV market share
In terms of fuel mix, EV registrations rose by 27.7% year-on-year to take 29.8% of the market – the second highest monthly share seen so far in 2026, which the SMMT said reflected an August trend seen since 2023 with lower overall volumes amplifying percentage shifts.
Plug-in hybrid registrations saw the biggest gain in August, up by 39.8% for a 14.5% market share, while hybrid registrations were up by 26.3% to take 12.7% of the market.
Petrol car registrations were down by 3.5% for a 38.3% market share, while unusually diesels saw a 4% year-on-year rise, although this still only accounted for 4.8% of the market.
Three Omoda/Jaecoo cars in top 10 most registered
The Ford Puma was the most registered car model in August, with 2,795 registrations, ahead of the Jaecoo 7 with 2,022 and the MG HS with 1,785.
Completing the top 10 were the Jaecoo 5 (1,670 registrations), Kia Sportage (1,531), Omoda 5 (1,465), Mini Cooper (1,372), Ford Kuga (1,347), Mercedes-Benz CLA (1,333) and Vauxhall Frontera (1,331).
September ‘acid test’ for new car market
Mike Hawes, chief executive at the SMMT, said: “August was a bright spot for the new car market and another strong month for electric car uptake, showing that motorists are responding to the huge choice and compelling offers available. But August is a low-volume month, so September will be the acid test.
“The industry is doing everything it can to help drivers switch, but mandate targets must be grounded in the reality of demand. Government’s review is the right move so we can ensure the transition is kept on track, consumer choice protected and the jobs and investment necessary to deliver net zero and economic growth are safeguarded.”
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Ian Plummer, chief customer officer at Autotrader, said: “Today’s figures show the new car market heading into September with real confidence despite sustained pressure on household budgets. Cost-conscious buyers increasingly turn to electric vehicles to cut their running costs amid high pump prices.
“The momentum we’ve seen on our own site in the usually quieter August also bodes well for September and sales of the new 76 plate models. With the overall market already growing by double digits, 2026 is on course to end much closer to pre-pandemic levels than many expected.”
John Cassidy, managing director at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “The latest SMMT new car registration figures for August provide a positive outlook for the motor industry. Year-on-year registrations have continued to rise as the market demonstrates resilience in the face of ongoing economic pressures.
“This sustained growth indicates that consumer demand remains relatively robust, even as affordability continues to be a key consideration for households. Motor finance therefore remains central to supporting this momentum, giving buyers more flexibility and helping manufacturers and retailers maintain confidence in the market.
“The continued growth in EV registrations is also particularly encouraging, but greater transparency on battery health and bundled charging solutions could help to strengthen demand even further. For lenders, manufacturers and retailers, supporting consumers with certainty around the long-term value and affordability of EV ownership will be key to maintaining this trajectory whilst the policy framework in the UK continues to evolve.”