- UK new car registrations rose 5.3% in 2012 to 2,044,609 units, boosted by strong consumer demand.
- Annual volume was highest since 2008, and recorded largest percentage increase since 2001.
- Growth in 2012 followed 12.9% rise in private demand.
- New car market was still 14.9% below 2007, pre-recession, level of 2.4 million units.
- Average new car CO2 emissions fell to new low of 133.1g/km, 22.7% down on a decade ago.
- Market ended 2012 with 3.7% rise in December to 123,557 units.
“More than two million new cars were registered in the UK during 2012, up 5.3% on the previous 12 months and the best result since recession struck in 2008,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “Boosted by strong consumer demand, the market grew at its fastest rate for 11 years with innovative, fuel-efficient cars keeping buyers in showrooms. Looking ahead to 2013, we anticipate the market will hold firm, with manufacturers and dealers working hard to deliver quality and value to motorists.”
Click through to download the full December 2012 (full year) new car registrations news release and data tables.
