Only 125 cars were preregistered in September, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Thirty one were Vauxhalls, 33 Citroens, 20 Toyotas and none were Fords. The gross revenue was £1.379m.

The SMMT is obliged to release the data on behalf of carmakers under the Government's Supply of New Cars Order which is designed to make the UK's new car market more competitive.

A pre-registered car is defined as one which a manufacturer or importer “has caused to be registered before the terms and conditions and supply to an end-user have been agreed”. There is much scepticism within the industry about the listing because most preregistrations are by dealers reacting to carmaker bonuses.