New car registrations to fleet and business users are more than 10% up on where they were this time last year, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Fleet and business registrations equated to 99,882 units in November, compared to 78,994 private reigistrations, giving the sector a 55.8% market share.

November’s fleet and business registrations were up around 5% on November, 2014, while year-to-date registrations showed an even greater increase.

Up until the end of November, 1,316,212 units had been registered to fleet and business, more than 10% up on its 11-month total of 1,195,287 units in 2014.

Private sales stand at 1,137,426 units so far in 2015, meaning that fleet and business also continues to dominate the new car market with a 53.6% market share.  

Demand for both petrol and diesel models remains robust with respective gains of 3.8% and 3.6%, while the popularity of alternatively fuelled vehicles continues to grow with an 8.6% uplift.

Sue Robinson, director of National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK, said: “Growth in the business fleet market indicated continued confidence in the economy.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, added: “November’s figures come as a reminder of the strength of the UK car market, as low interest rates and competitive finance deals continue to attract consumers to new car ownership.”

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