New number plate changes 'important' for UK as car sales see dramatic boost

New number plates helped boost new car sales

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Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 09/10/2023

- 09:12

New number plates were introduced on September 1 last month

Experts have praised the introduction of new number plates as a key factor for the new car sales seen last month, despite changing Government policy.

A total of 272,610 new vehicles were registered in September, an impressive increase of 21 per cent from the same period in 2022.


According to the data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), sales to private buyers increased by 5.8 per cent and fleet registrations were up by 40.8 per cent.

Growth for battery electric vehicles was seen with an 18.9 per cent rise in the number of EVs, with 45,323 vehicles registered.

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Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), commented on the data, saying new number plates were crucial to drive new vehicle sales.

She said: "September is an important plate change month in the industry and it is positive that new vehicle sales have continued to rise despite the uncertainty created by the UK Government's change of policy on EVs.

“In a snap poll to members, 39 per cent of dealers rated their trading performance as good during the month.”

On September 1, new number plates were rolled out to signify the newest vehicles on the road, with the introduction of the “73" plate.

It has been customary for new number plates to be rolled out at the start of March and September every year.

Earlier this year, the “23” plate was unveiled, while new “24” and “74” plates will be released in March and September in 2024.

The “new reg day” normally stimulates additional growth in the new car sector with drivers wanting to get their hands on the latest vehicles.

The NFDA, which represents franchised vehicle retailers around the UK, highlighted how the popularity of internal combustion engine vehicles had been waning.

Registrations of diesel vehicles fell from 10,330 units to just 9,896, but petrol registrations have risen by 15 per cent to 105,463.

Sue Robinson continued, saying: “Recent policy changes in relation to Ulez and the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles has created uncertainty in the industry.

“In a recent poll, NFDA found that 62 per cent of surveyed dealers are expecting demand for EVs to decrease and 80 per cent feel that the UK Government needs to introduce more price incentives for consumers.

“However, franchised dealers are nimble and footfall at dealerships remains steady, with 45 per cent of dealers saying it was at a similar level to the previous month, despite the regulatory upheaval.”

The NFDA said it would continue to lobby on behalf of its members on future policy and help the sector protect motorists.

Data from the SMMT found that the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Puma and Kia Sportage were the three most popular vehicles of the month, selling a combined 22,000 vehicles.

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Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said a “bumper” month saw sales blossom despite economic challenges for motorists.

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