The latest 63-plate has attracted lots of buyers to the new car market.
The arrival of a new registration plate is know to attract buyers to the new car market – and the latest plate has been no different. In fact, the impact of the new 63-plate has been such that sales of new cars in the UK soared to their highest level in five and a half years in September.
This is according to the latest figures released by the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which revealed a total of 403,136 new motors were registered last month. Boosted considerably by the launch of the 63-plate, this number represented a 12.1 per cent escalation on 2012's figures.
September is traditionally a strong month for sales, with many people searching for the best new car offers so they can get their hands on the latest plates. It is only one of two months every calendar year when new registration plates are issued, so demand tends to climb markedly over the four-week period.
Last month, however, demand seemingly went through the roof – and the high figures ensured car sales have now increased for 19 months in succession.
The top selling car was found to be the Ford Fiesta, with 20,600 of these snapped up during the month. This was followed by the Vauxhall Corsa, which racked up 14,500 sales.
It was also shown that more than one in seven new cars registered were built in the UK.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: "Robust private demand has played a major role in this growth, with customers attracted by exciting, increasingly fuel-efficient new models which offer savings in the cost of ownership.
"This is the 19th consecutive month of steady growth and, with fleet and business demand still to reach pre-recession levels, we believe the performance to be sustainable."
Mr Hawes added that such has been the success of the 63-plate so far, that its effects are expected to be seen right through into next year.
By Bob Fletcher