Latest SMMT data shows that a total of 207,702 fleet cars were registered last month, equating to 44.9% of the market – up compared to the 42.3% market share held in September 2014.

Sub-25 ‘business’ registrations were also up, with a gain of 10.6% bringing the total to 27,007 units and giving it a 5.8% market share compared to 5.7% in September 2014.

The private sector saw more muted growth of 3.0% to 227,808 units.

In total, 462,517 new cars were registered last month, with the rise of 8.6% marking the 43rd consecutive month of growth in the market.

Year to date, a total of 2,096,886 new cars have been registered – 7.1% higher than at the same point last year. It is the first time that the two million mark has been passed in September since 2004.

Registrations of diesel and petrol cars in September grew 4.1% and 12.3% respectively, and alternatively-fuelled vehicles (AFVs) recorded another strong month with volumes up 21.7%. This puts total year-to-date growth at 3.1% for diesel, 9.5% for petrol and 48.7% for AFVs. 

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "September is traditionally one of the year’s biggest months for new car registrations, and last month set an autumn record. With plenty of attractive, affordable deals available on the new 65-plate, Britain’s car buyers – whether private, fleet or business consumers – were busier than ever. The market reached pre-recession levels some time ago, and we anticipate some levelling off in the coming months. It is too early to draw conclusions, but customer demand for diesel remained strong, accounting for one in two cars registered.”