LONDON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Britain's new car market accelerated in September, with registrations marking the 10th consecutive month of growth and the strongest September since 2017, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed Monday.
A total of 350,536 new cars were registered last month, up 12 percent year on year, the SMMT said, noting that the overall growth was largely driven by intense competition as increased choices and attractive deals encouraged purchases.
Electrified vehicles helped power growth, taking a record 58.4 percent of registrations. Specifically, registrations for plug-in hybrid vehicles surged 55.5 percent to take a record share at 17 percent.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) demand also climbed 36.3 percent to a record high volume of 99,201 units, with market share reaching 28.3 percent, the SMMT noted.
Since 2023, the number of BEV models on the market has more than doubled, with 178 now on sale. The country's electrified offering now represents more than three quarters of new cars available, according to the SMMT.
"September's record electrified vehicle performance is a major achievement. Drivers are increasingly embracing the growing choice of models made available and high fuel prices are also undoubtedly giving more consumers reason to consider going electric," said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.
However, the organization pointed out that the number of new BEVs registered in the first three quarters of 2026 accounted for 26.2 percent of overall car registrations, which is significantly below the 33 percent mandated for 2026 and behind even last year's target of 28 percent. ■
