The UK new car market achieved a 10.4% rise in registrations in March 2024.
According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), it was the 20th month of consecutive growth.
In what is typically the busiest month of the year due to the new numberplate, 317,786 new cars reached the road with a 24 plate – the best March performance since 2019, although still 30.6% below pre-pandemic levels.
This consecutive growth suggests more people are buying and selling cars in the UK.
Petrol cars retained the largest share of the market, at 55.7%, with registrations up 9.2% year on year.
Diesel volumes fell 2.7% to account for just 7.3% of demand.
Uptake of hybrid electric vehicles reached record levels, rising by 19.6% to 44,550 units and 14.0% of the market, while the biggest percentage growth was recorded by plug-in hybrids, up by more than a third to 24,517 units, or 7.7% of all new registrations.
Conversely, while battery electric vehicle (BEV) registration volumes were at their highest ever recorded levels, market share fell by one percentage point from the same month last year, down to 15.2%.
Following the release of the data, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "Market growth continues, fuelled by fleets investing after two tough years of constrained supply. A sluggish private market and shrinking EV market share, however, show the challenge ahead. Manufacturers are providing compelling offers, but they can’t single-handedly fund the transition indefinitely.
"Government support for private consumers – not just business and fleets – would send a positive message and deliver a faster, fairer transition on time and on target."
2024 year-to-date new registrations
| Make and model | Number of registrations |
|---|---|
| Ford Puma | 15,054 |
| Nissan Qashqai | 14,555 |
| Kia Sportage | 13,632 |
| Nissan Juke | 11,206 |
| Audi A3 | 10,493 |
| BMW 1 Series | 10,406 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 10,290 |
| MINI | 10,049 |
| MG HS | 10,028 |
| Volkswagen T-Roc | 8,934 |
Most new registration March 2024
| Make and model | Number of registrations |
|---|---|
| Nissan Qashqai | 8,931 |
| Ford Puma | 8,318 |
| Kia Sportage | 7,445 |
| Nissan Juke | 7,346 |
| Audi A3 | 6,010 |
| Vauxhall Corsa | 5,952 |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 5,892 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 5,631 |
| Tesla Model Y | 5,602 |
| MG HS | 5,460 |
Top 10 best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Ford Puma - 15.054 registrations
Ford's popular small SUV, the Puma, is easy to drive, comfortable and practical with a large boot. The Puma is also cheap to run thanks to petrol hybrid technology that keeps fuel costs down. Little wonder, perhaps, it's so popular with car buyers in Britian.
Read our full Ford Puma review.
Nissan Qashqai - 14,555 registrations
Popular with family car buyers, the Nissan Qashqai is one of the UK's favourite SUVs. Now in its third generation, the Qashqai is better than ever before. The interior is spacious, and the high levels of refinement make the Qashqai perfect for high mileage drivers who want a class leading family car at a price they can afford.
Read our full Nissan Qashqai review.
Kia Sportage - 13,632 registrations
Easy to drive, stylish and backed by a seven-year-warranty, the Kia Sportage is a serious player in the family SUV market. All versions are spacious and comfortable, while Kia’s impressive range of petrol hybrid powertrains make the Sportage rewarding to drive and affordable to run.
Read our full Kia Sportage review.
Nissan Juke - 11,206 registrations
The original small supermini-derived SUV, the Nissan Juke is a worthy rival to the Ford Puma thanks to its eye-catching style and driver-friendly cabin. Most buyers choose their Juke with Nissan’s excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, while the 1.6-litre hybrid is popular with drivers who want their Juke with a dose of performance.
Read our full Nissan Juke review.
Audi A3 - 10,493 registrations
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BMW 1 Series - 10,406 registrations
The arrival of the all-new BMW 1 Series heralds the dawn of a new era for this successful model that has consistently combined handling excellence, practicality, technology and quality.
Read our full BMW 1 Series review.
Volkswagen Golf - 10,406 registrations
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The Volkswagen Golf is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and remains one of Britain's most popular cars for people of all ages.
Read our full Volkswagen Golf review.
MINI - 10,049 registrations
The iconic hot hatch is as popular now as it ever has been - and comes in a variety of models. Admittedly, the Mini has grown in size and is no longer the smallest car in the market, but its keen handling and stylish looks make it a rewarding car to own and drive.
Read our full MINI review.
MG HS - 10,028 registrations
The new MG HS builds on oits hugely popular large SUV with an extensive redesign featuring a sharper, more aggressive appearance.
Read our full MG HS review.
Volkswagen T-Roc - 8,934 registrations
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a stylish, yet compact family SUV that has grown in popularity compared to last year.
Read our full Volkswgen T-Roc review.
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