UK Passenger Car Sales Jump 12% to 350,536 in September

UK passenger car sales increased 12.0% year over year to 350,536 units in September 2026, marking the 10th consecutive month of growth and the strongest September since 2017, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on October 5. Sales for the first nine months of 2026 increased 10.2%, reaching 1,739,271 registered cars. The results underline continued momentum in the market while highlighting a significant shift toward electrified vehicles, supported by broader model availability, manufacturer incentives and government grants.

Automaker Sales Show Mixed Performance

September results varied considerably among major automakers. Volkswagen sales increased 2.6% to 25,972 units, giving the brand a 7.4% market share, while BYD sales surged 78.7% to 20,140 units and captured 5.7% of the market. Kia registrations rose 1.3% to 18,399 units, while MG increased 23.7% to 18,026 units. Audi sales declined 4.4% to 16,722 units. Among Japanese automakers, Toyota sales fell 14.2% to 13,948 units. Chinese brands remained particularly strong, with BYD and MG ranking second and fifth, respectively, while Jaecoo registrations jumped 132.0% to 15,057 units.

Jaecoo 7 Leads September Model Rankings

The Jaecoo 7 was the best-selling car in September with 10,814 registrations, followed by the Tesla Model 3 with 9,929 units. The Ford Puma ranked third at 6,958 units, while the Kia Sportage reached 6,521 units and the Tesla Model Y recorded 5,946 units. The rankings demonstrate the increasingly diverse competitive landscape in the market, with established European and Korean models competing alongside rapidly expanding Chinese brands and electric-focused offerings. The strong result for the Jaecoo 7 also reflects the growing presence of Chinese manufacturers in the market.

BEV and PHEV Demand Accelerates

Battery-electric vehicle registrations increased 36.3% year over year to a record 99,201 units, representing 28.3% of September registrations. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales rose even faster, increasing 55.5% to 59,571 units and taking a 17.0% share. By comparison, gasoline-engine registrations declined 6.7% to 131,864 units, representing 37.6% of the market, while hybrid electric vehicle sales fell 4.3% to 45,839 units. Diesel registrations increased 11.5% to 14,061 units, equivalent to a 4.0% market share. The data points to continued movement toward electrified powertrains.

More Models and Incentives Support Electrification

The record electric-vehicle result coincided with a substantial expansion in consumer choice. Since 2023, the number of battery-electric models available in the market has more than doubled, reaching 178 models. The market also offers more than 110 plug-in hybrid models and more than 50 hybrid models, meaning electrified vehicles now account for more than three quarters of new cars available. Manufacturer discounts and government incentives further supported demand during September. High fuel prices were also identified by SMMT as a factor encouraging more consumers to consider electric vehicles as model availability continues to expand.

Private, Fleet and Business Registrations Increase

September growth was evident across all major customer channels. Private registrations increased 13.9% year over year to 149,166 units, representing 42.6% of the market. Fleet registrations rose 9.6% to 190,998 units and accounted for 54.5% of sales, while business registrations surged 37.3% to 10,372 units, representing 3.0%. The broader commercial market also recorded gains, with sales of vans weighing up to 3.5 tons increasing 4.8% to 49,704 units. Registrations of trucks between 3.5 and 6.0 tons rose 36.9% to 2,266 units during September.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The September results strengthen the position of electrification as a central driver of the United Kingdom new-vehicle market while increasing competitive pressure across manufacturers and powertrain technologies. For automakers, the rapid growth of BEVs and PHEVs raises the importance of maintaining attractive model portfolios, competitive pricing and effective incentive strategies. The strong performance of Chinese brands also adds another competitive dimension. SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said the Mandate review could help build on the momentum while supporting consumer demand, business viability and UK competitiveness. The next phase will therefore depend on sustaining demand while balancing investment, incentives and market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the UK car market perform in September 2026?
September delivered a strong market performance, with registrations rising 12.0% year over year to 350,536 units and marking the 10th consecutive month of growth. It was also the strongest September since 2017. Electrified vehicles were a major contributor, with battery-electric registrations increasing 36.3% and plug-in hybrids rising 55.5%. Private, fleet and business registrations all increased, while Chinese automakers continued gaining market presence. For the first nine months of 2026, registrations reached 1,739,271 units, representing a 10.2% increase compared with the same period of 2025.