Skip advert
Advertisement

New car registrations hit 10-year high

The number of new cars registered in March 2014 stands at 465,000, an increase of almost 18 per cent on last year

Ford Fiesta 1.0 80PS action

The number of new cars registered in March was up nearly 18 per cent on the same month in 2013, with the Ford Fiesta at the top of the best sellers list.

Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal the total number of new car registrations stands at 465,000 for March, a 10 year high, only narrowly trailing the 2004 March total of 466,954 units.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Registrations for new cars are at an all time high for a number of reasons claims SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes, “Drivers are attracted by the increase in quality of new cars as well as newer technology that helps drivers run their cars more cheaply”. 

Small cars and MPVs selling big in 2014

Market statistics also show some interesting changes from March 2004, with a strong shift towards smaller cars and MPV’s. There has also been a 35 per cent fuel efficiency increase with cars now getting almost 58mpg, on average.

Alternatively fuelled vehicles also enjoyed excellent sales increases with a 64 per cent increase and a sales total of almost 9,000 units. 

There is good news for British manufacturing too, with the British-built Vauxhall Astra in the top 5 best sellers, both in March and over the year to date, having sold 17,500 units since January.

Car buyers’ preferences in paint shade have also changed over the decade, with the most popular colour choice white, a change from silver in 2004.

Attractive finance deals have also helped boost sales with many drivers able to take advantage of low cost lease agreements and switch their vehicles more easily.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025