April's new car market ended up 5.1% year-on-year at 185,778 registrations, the strongest April result in a decade.
Growth was strongest in the fleet market, which was up 9% year-on-year, while private registrations were 2.7% up. Business registrations fell by 12.4%.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders data showed year-to-date registrations for 2015 are 6.4% up to 920,366 units.
“April's strong performance, which comes after a record first quarter for the sector, tracks a 12-year high for consumer confidence and continues a pattern of growth in new car registrations around general elections that dates back to 1979.
“Demand in the period following May 7 is forecast to continue in line with this trend and as new products, attractive finance deals and low interest rates inspire consumers and businesses to give the new car market their vote of confidence.
“All but three of the past nine general elections have coincided with a spike in new car demand in the three months immediately before and after polling day. Notable exceptions were during the recessions of 1992 and 2010, while the 2005 election period saw registrations dip as part of natural market readjustment after hitting peak volumes in 2002,” said the SMMT.
Its chief executive Mike Hawes, added: "Today's figures highlight the current strength of consumer confidence, even at a time of such political uncertainty. We are confident that the UK’s new car market – so symbolic of economic mood – will continue to thrive, but long-term success will depend largely on economic and political stability in the months and years ahead.
“Whatever the outcome of today’s election, the next government must act quickly to uphold economic certainty and reassure consumers and markets."
The most in demand car of the month was the Ford Fiesta, with 10,294 registrations, followed by the Ford Focus (6,347 registrations), Volkswagen Golf (5,354 registrations), Vauxhall Corsa (4,951 registrations) and Nissan Qashqai (4,697 registrations).
Click here for the full SMMT data.
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
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