NFDA Remains Cautious on Macro Economic Environment Despite the New Car Market’s Recovery in September

“September is always an important month for the industry and this month has been no different. Franchised dealers have worked hard, supporting and educating consumers, helping them find the right model for them. This has resulted in registrations being up 13.7% in September” said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK commenting on the latest SMMT new car registration figures.

In September, a total of 312,891 new cars were registered, an increase of 13.7% from the same period last year. Sales to private buyers significantly increased by 8.9% whilst fleet registrations bounced back to a 16.9% change.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continue their 2025 grow and registered a 29.1% change at 72,779 units. Plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) registered 38,308 units, marking a 56.4% change, and hybrids (HEVs) registered 47,885 units (23.5%).

Diesel saw 12,609 units registered, (-28.2%) compared to 17,556 in September 2024 whereas petrol increased by 2.4% to 141,310 units.

Sue Robinson concluded: “NFDA is pleased to see an uplift in the year-on-year figures for the new registration month of September. The impact of the Government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) remains to be seen over the remainder of the year. While we expect electric vehicle sales to continue growing, they are still falling short of the levels required to meet ZEV Mandate targets.

“We look forward to the Chancellor’s upcoming Budget and urge the Government to further address challenges facing our industry, particularly around EV adoption.”