August is widely considered a small-volume month and with volumes expected to soar to approximately 330,000 registrations in September as a result of the in-demand ‘62-plate’, the market remains on course to reach its 1.97m vehicle forecast for the year.

Year-to-date, alternatively fuelled vehicles witnessed a 15.3% rise, with diesels also showing considerable promise with a volume increase of 29,205 units. New models have significantly boosted the alternatively fuelled sector and Mini and Dual purpose segments over the first eight months of the year, with the Supermini segment showing the largest outright volume gain at 21,365 units. The Ford Fiesta also retained it’s position as the number one best-seller both in August and year-to-date, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa.

The fleet industry continued to occupy over half of the industry’s overall market share in August, despite falling 4.9% on the same month last year. Year-to-date, total unit registrations are down by 0.7% to 641,608 vehicles, with market share also dropping by 2% on last year to 50.9%.

‘New car registrations remained broadly stable in August, up 0.1% on a year ago to 59,433 units. August traditionally represents a small share of the new car market as motorists anticipate the arrival of the new 62-plate in September,’ said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. ‘The economic outlook remains challenging, but vehicle manufacturers and dealers are working hard to sustain demand and deliver great value products and services to customers,’ he added.