SMMT figures show that a total of 492,774 cars were registered in March, up 6.0% on same month last year and marking the best month since the twice-yearly number plate changes were introduced in 1999.

The fleet market saw particularly strong results in March, with a rise of 11.6%, from 196,304 units in March 2014 to 219,153 last month. However the sub-25 business sector saw a decline of 6.6% from 22,032 units to 20,578. Private registrations rose 2.7% to 253,043 units.

Year to date, the fleet market is up 14.6% from 309,545 units to 354,690 whilst the business sector has fallen 8.4% from 30,909 units to 28,327. Overall registrations so far this year have increased by 6.8% to 734,588.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The best month this century for new car registrations is a welcome boost for the UK’s thriving automotive sector. The challenge for a new government and industry will be to maintain this momentum and to strengthen Britain’s manufacturing capabilities through continued investment, innovation and policies which maintain our global competitiveness. Whatever the general election result, the new government must keep up the commitment to the sector which is delivering at home and abroad.”