UK new car registrations rise in April, SMMT reveals

British new car registrations rose 2% to 189,505 units in April, according to data on Friday.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the number of registrations marked the most in April since 2003 when 194,312 new vehicles were purchased.

The growth was driven by the fleet and business sectors, rising 6.1% and 2.8%, respectively. Private registrations, however, dropped 2.5%.

In March new car sales reached 518,707 units, up 5.3% on the same month a year ago.

“After such a strong March, April’s steadier performance was to be anticipated, and is in line with our expectations for the year,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

“Consumer confidence remains high as buyers continue to capitalise on attractive finance deals, although this could be affected by political and economic uncertainty in the coming months.”