Car manufacturers boosted by market rise

Although August represents a relatively small share of the new car market and the September new 61-plate registrations will be far more important for vehicle manufacturers, the new figures – the best since June 2010 – were up 7.3% to 59,346 units. Private demand grew by 10.7% in August, its first rise since June 2010 and fleet volumes also continued to rise. The Supermini segment rose by 17.6% to account for 37.3% of the August market with the Ford Fiesta (pictured) again being the best selling model in the overall new car market in both August and the year-to-date. However, registrations from January to August were 6.1% down on a year ago Paul Everitt, chief executive at the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) which produced the data, said the September new car market was always important for the UK motor industry, accounting for around 17% of the full year's registrations but consumers were nervous about the future.