New car registrations surge past two million in 2014
New car registrations have exceeded the two million mark in 2014, as October sees a 14 per cent increase over last year
For the first time since 2007, the number of registrations this year passed two million in October, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Last month also saw a 14 per cent increase compared to October 2013. Nearly 180,000 vehicles were registered in October alone. It marks the 32nd consecutive month of growth in the industry, exceeding the industry body's expectations.
The Ford Fiesta supermini has sold over 116,000 this year-to-date, making it the biggest-selling car in Britain. Ford also recorded its best two months since 2008, selling over 100,000 64-plate cars since September.
Vauxhall is also performing strongly in 2014, with its ever-popular Corsa taking third place with over 68,000 sales, and the Cheshire-built Astra hatch in fifth with 51,000.
It's good news as well for alternatively-fuelled cars, as that market is up more than 50% in both month- and year-to-date. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a massive hit for the Japanese firm, taking 58% of all hybrid plug-in sales.
Despite these figures, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes expects demand to fall off as the year ends.
“We still expect the overall market to level off as we head towards 2015, but the exception to that rule will be alternatively-fuelled vehicles, demand for which will continue to accelerate.”
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