UK New Car Sales Jump 12% in September as EV Demand and Chinese Brands Surge

UK new car registrations rose 12% year-on-year in September to 350,518 units, the highest for the month since 2017, according to preliminary data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders released Friday. Battery electric vehicle registrations climbed 36% to 99,199 units, capturing 28.3% of the market. Petrol car registrations fell 6.7% and hybrid EV registrations slipped 4.2%. Diesel registrations rose 11.5% for the month but remain down 7% year-to-date. Chinese brands continued to gain ground. Chery's Jaecoo 7 was September's best-selling model overall, while BYD's Sealion 7 was the top-selling BEV behind Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y. BEVs accounted for just 26.2% of sales in the first nine months, below the 33% mandated for 2026 and trailing last year's 28% target. Britain is reviewing its zero-emission vehicle targets amid pressure from carmakers, while the EU's proposed "Made in Europe" provisions threaten to exclude British-built vehicles from incentives and public procurement.