Preliminary new car market data published today indicates the UK’s best ‘new plate September’ performance since 2017 with registrations up over 12%. While consumer confidence has improved recently, and GDP growth has been more resilient than expected, the overall growth is largely being driven by intense competition – significantly from new entrants – increased choice and attractive deals which are encouraging many into the new car market who might otherwise have bought used. 

September’s stronger overall market also helped deliver the country’s highest ever monthly BEV volume. These are milestones to celebrate but, inevitably, comparisons with the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate target frame the narrative negatively. While year-to-date BEV market share stands at an impressive 26.2%, it is considerably adrift of this year’s target of 33%. The extent of that gap matters because, despite billions of pounds of investment in electric model rollout, manufacturer discounts and government incentives, not to mention high fuel prices, most people are still choosing petrol or diesel fuelled models.

Flexibilities are helping bridge the demand gap to compliance, but they reduce in impact over time and, most critically, do not remove the cost. And that cost is a barrier to investment and competitiveness. With the UK’s regulatory trajectory ahead of every major market in the world, government’s review of the mandate is the right thing to do, given industry needs not just certainty but investment viability.

Investment confidence can quickly be eroded. Recent announcements by Bentley, McLaren and Nissan are a real fillip. But competitiveness is fragile and the UK is hindered by eye watering energy costs, additional labour costs and trading volatility. This is why government must not slow down but double down on measures to improve the UK’s market regulation, address industrial energy costs and stabilise trading relationships. SMMTwas pleased, therefore, to champion UK Automotive’s priorities at this week’s Labour Party conference in Liverpool, including a reception hosting members and parliamentarians including Roads Minister Justin Madders MP, Reindustrialisation Minister Blair McDougall MP, Transport Select Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury MP and a number of MPs representing constituencies with deep automotive roots.

One of the headlines from the Conference was the Prime Minister putting the UK’s relationship with Europe – and the possibility of re-joining – back on the agenda, albeit a long-term agenda. UK automotive trade with the EU is a top priority and the bloc’s current ‘Made in Europe’ proposals and strict EV battery rules of origin requirements pose a clear and present danger to manufacturers, their investments, supply chains and market opportunities – on both sides of the Channel.

Analysis commissioned by SMMTshows UK automotive manufacturing directly supports €24bn of EU economic activity and 250,000 jobs across the bloc, such is the extent of our interdependence. Any damage to the UK sector as a result of ‘Made in Europe’ market exclusion will also damage the European automotive industry. At a time of intense global competition, barriers between our highly integrated and strategically aligned industries should be reduced, not raised, so we will continue to urge government to ensure automotive is a top priority at the UK-EU summit later this year.

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SMMTpreliminary figures are subject to change. Full and final figures published Monday 5 October, 9am.

The UK new car market accelerated in September, with registrations up 12.1% to 350,518 units, according to preliminary figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (91��Ƭ������).¹ The result marks a 10^th consecutive month of growth and the strongest September since 2017.² The plate-change month is one of the year’s most important, typically accounting for around one in seven annual registrations. While consumer confidence has improved recently and GDP growth been more resilient than expected, the overall growth is largely being driven by intense competition – significantly from new entrants – increased choice and attractive deals which are encouraging many into the new car market who might otherwise have bought used.

Growth was recorded across all sales types. Fleet registrations rose 9.6% to 190,988 units, representing 54.5% of the market, while private demand increased 13.9% to 149,158 units and a 42.6% share. Registrations by the smaller business sector grew 37.6% to 10,372 units.

Electrified vehicles helped power growth, taking a record 58.4% of registrations. Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uptake dipped -4.2% reducing market share to 13.1%, but plug-in hybrid (PHEV) registrations surged 55.7% to take a record volume and share at 17.0%. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) demand, meanwhile, climbed 36.3% to a record high volume of 99,199 units with market share up five percentage points to 28.3%. That equates to almost five new BEVs registered every minute – more than double the rate three years ago – as buyers respond to unprecedented model choice, especially in the smaller segments, compelling discounts and government’s Electric Car Grant. ³

Since 2023, the number of BEV models on the market has more than doubled, with 178 now on sale. Alongside over 110 PHEV and 50 HEV models, the UK’s electrified offering now represents more than three quarters of new cars available.⁴ This expanded choice, along with substantial manufacturer discounts and government incentives, delivered September’s landmark result but it also shows the scale of the challenge ahead.

454,945 new BEVs have now been registered in the first nine months of the year, accounting for 26.2% of registrations, significantly below the 33% mandated for 2026 and behind even last year’s target of 28%. Based on the latest industry outlook for a 2.183-million-unit market, a 33% share would require an additional 265,000 new BEV registrations in the final quarter alone, illustrating how, despite the range of regulatory flexibilities available, targets continue to outpace demand.⁵

The Mandate review is an opportunity to ensure the transition to EVs supports long-term growth. Aligning regulation more closely with market development would strengthen UK competitiveness, unlock further investment in new models and plants, support jobs and create a robust, sustainable market capable of delivering the decarbonisation the UK needs.

Notes to editors

1. SMMTpreliminary figures are subject to change. Full and final figures published Monday 5 October, 9am.
2. September 2017 new car market was 426,170 units, 2019 was 343,255 units.
3. Based on DVLA processing hours.
4. EV choice doubles as new model hits UK market every fortnight
5. SMMTMarket Outlook July 2026

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Some of this decline reflects structural changes to manufacturing capacity, with UK-built commercial vehicles continuing to attract overseas customers, although the home market is not yet providing the scale or certainty needed to support stronger growth. 

That matters because commercial vehicle manufacturing supports skilled employment, regional economies and complex supply chains. It is also central to the transition to cleaner road transport, both for goods and people. Operators need a competitive choice of zero emission commercial vehicles, while manufacturers need confidence that demand, infrastructure and regulation will develop together. 

Recent car sector investment worth more than £1 billion demonstrates confidence in Britain’s engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing capability, but the opportunity now is to ensure commercial vehicles form a visible part of the UK’s industrial growth strategy and government support. That means providing the conditions and support for private investment to flow into vehicle assembly, battery and powertrain production, specialist conversion and the wider supply chain. Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s newly announced ambition to lower UK energy costs and accelerate grid connections – particularly needed for zero emission van, HGV and bus rollout – is also a positive step. 

Trade policy is equally important. The EU remains the UK automotive sector’s largest overseas market, and proposals outlined in the ‘Made in Europe’ strategy that disadvantage UK-built vehicles would damage manufacturers and suppliers on both sides of the Channel. Forthcoming changes to rules of origin, meanwhile, could add further costs to electrified vehicles, just as manufacturers need lower costs to accelerate market demand and compete with new global entrants. 

The priority must therefore be practical, coordinated action. Government should continue to work with industry to strengthen the domestic market, support charging and refuelling infrastructure, secure competitive energy costs and avoid unnecessary trade barriers. With the right, holistic framework, UK commercial vehicle output can grow sustainably for both domestic and export markets, positioning the UK for growth in an increasingly competitive global market.

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Modern commercial vehicles are collecting and processing increasing amounts of data, and the ever-expanding range of powertrain, assistance, and automation functions is leading to much greater complexity in electrical and electronic systems.

Bosch and subsidiary ETAS are developing central electrical/electronic (E/E) architectures, featuring high-performance, scalable vehicle computers and the associated software platforms.

As a result, customers are benefiting from Bosch’s systems expertise, as we are well-versed in both hardware and software. Software-defined mobility in the trucking business addresses the industry’s most critical factor: total cost of ownership.

For fleet operators, the software-defined truck significantly reduces day-to-day complexity.

What about the safety technology Bosch produces

Bosch’s portfolio ranges from hardware and software to artificial intelligence and cloud-based services that make operating commercial vehicles safer and more economical.

In 2027, we will launch a new generation of our multipurpose camera and radar sensor, both of which will enable precise detection of people and vehicles, thanks to the latest AI technologies and significantly greater computing power.

A digital rearview mirror with a built-in camera that analyses driver behaviour and issues warnings when it senses driver distraction went into mass production in 2026 at two well-known European manufacturers.

With our comprehensive portfolio of systems and sensors, Bosch helps create a complete view of the truck’s surroundings and enhances driving safety and convenience. Thanks to intelligent software algorithms, data from the various sensors in the vehicle is combined and analysed in real time.

The cameras and radar systems are also suitable for higher levels of automation. Level 4 automated driving is the goal, in part to address the driver shortage in the logistics sector.  The software can handle increasingly complex driving tasks, thus reducing the burden on the logistics system.

Tell us about Bosch’s growth strategy

A key element of our growth strategy remains our broad portfolio of alternative powertrain technologies. In 2026, one-third of all newly registered battery-electric trucks in Europe are powered by electric motors and inverters from Bosch. A major new order from long-time partner Daimler Truck for the eActros electric truck underpins this success and the agreement covers the supply of electric powertrain components manufactured in Europe.

The heavy-duty commercial vehicle business is a key growth area for us, and we aim to double our sales in this segment by the mid-2030s.

What about the other technologies when it comes to decarbonisation?

Achieving the world’s climate goals in the transport sector isn’t an ‘either-or’ proposition – we have to use every technology that helps us transition away from fossil fuels.

That’s why Bosch consistently focuses on technological diversity and, in addition to fuel-cell power modules, also supplies key components for hydrogen-powered combustion engines.

At the same time, we intend to systematically expand our leading position in diesel engines and continue to optimise conventional injection systems to help vehicle manufacturers meet new emissions standards such as Euro-7.

For the global fleet, renewable synthetic fuels can also help make rapid progress toward climate goals.

Dr. Markus Heyn

Deputy Chairman of the Bosch Board of Management and Chairman of the Mobility Business Sector

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According to Network Rail, there are about 1,800 of these strikes every year, which result in more than 120 days of delays for rail passengers and a cost of £23m to the UK taxpayer.

The majority of these incidents involve high-sided vehicles and can be prevented through careful route planning and awareness of vehicle dimensions and bridge clearances.

In addition, with the right technology installed in the cab – backed by a broader commitment to safety culture – fleets now have the tools to stop them before they happen.

For example, Durite’s Low Bridge Detection System utilises Smart AI-powered camera technology to detect and alert over-height vehicles to the presence of low bridges and also reads safety height signage.

High Accuracy 10Hz GPS, paired with the UK low bridge database provides precise location-based alerts.

With the use of the vehicle’s trailer and cargo heights, the system provides accurate warnings and alerts to the driver via the connected R-Watch Display within the vehicle – giving the driver ample time to choose an alternative route.

Durite said GPS-only systems can be ineffective in rural areas and built-up cities where large buildings lead to interference and signal loss.

John Nobbs, UK Sales Manager for Durite said: “In the UK, heavy goods vehicle bridge strikes are a significant problem – they cause delays, disruptions and potentially high cost to the operator and the rail and road networks.

“With up to five bridge strikes recorded each day in the UK, we recognised the need to produce an advanced detection system which can significantly reduce the risk of collision for commercial vehicle operators.”

Meanwhile, fleet CCTV and telematics provider Centrad has launched a camera-based system branded CenBridge which uses AI with advanced geolocation technology to deliver real-time alerts when a low bridge is detected, warning drivers from 50 metres or more.

Centrad said CenBridge eliminates false positives by deploying a “deep-learning” trained on a wide range of UK bridge data, including sites without signage and algorithm with complex approaches such as harsh turns or low light.

It uses a database with more than 2,000 mapped low bridges and provides both audio and optional visual alerts when vehicles enter geofenced zones.

The CenBridge system also continuously updates its algorithm remotely and is designed to function reliably even in environments with poor GPS signal by integrating AI with precise geolocation data.

Geoff Cross, Managing Director of Centrad, said: “Research indicates that 43% of drivers admit they do not measure their vehicle’s height before setting off, while 52% acknowledge neglecting to account for low bridges when planning their routes.

“Even with policies, procedures, and systems in place, along with extensive training provided by the operator, mistakes can still happen.

“By offering real-time alerts and precise location-based warnings, CenBridge gives drivers an additional safety net to avoid low bridges, essentially acting as a second set of eyes for drivers while they’re out on the road, preventing bridge strikes before they occur.”

According to Exeros, its Bridge Strike Detection (BSD) system combines AI camera vision and GPS to read bridge height signs and only warn about genuine risks.

Its system uses RFID sensors to automatically detect vehicle height and compare it against bridge clearance in real time, removing the need for guesswork around trailer swaps, variable loads, or unfamiliar routes.

Also, Exeros VideMatics captures every collision and near-miss event, giving managers high-definition footage for investigations and coaching.

The Exeros Bridge Strike Warning System automatically records a short clip during events, uploading it along with GPS location, journey context, and vehicle data.

Joe Williams, COO and Co-founder of Exeros Technologies said when coaching drivers on bridge strikes, showing them near misses or collisions from your own fleet is significantly more impactful than standardised training.

He added: “The low bridge recognition system adds another layer of safety by using a three-tier detection process to accurately identify, alert, and warn drivers of low bridges before an incident can occur.

“Our BSD solution uses smart cameras to read road signs, measure bridges, check vehicle height, and alert the driver if necessary.

“It also makes a short recording for incident review. It helps drivers avoid potentially career-ending collisions and saves fleets from repair bills that can easily reach six figures.”

A bridge strike by a commercial vehicle can lead to a public inquiry, operator licence suspension or revocation, and driver disqualification

Built into Samsara dash cams and Vehicle Gateways, the Samsara Low Bridge Strike Alerting Solution uses GPS and mapping data to detect upcoming low bridges, cross-checks against the vehicle’s set height, and delivers real-time audio notifications to the driver in time to re-route away from the bridge effectively.

Samsara said its technology gives drivers an extra layer of protection and means that they don’t have to constantly think about vehicle height because the technology is doing that for them.

Lee Bedingfield, the Head of Fleet Compliance at Sysco GB – part of the world’s largest food service company – has been working closely with Samsara to develop the technology.

He said: “Any technology that helps a driver ‘reset’ for a second is worth trying.

“That nudge can be the difference in avoiding a bridge strike. Not only are we protecting the business and the brand, but we’re also protecting the driver’s vocational licence.”

Proper route planning, effective training for drivers and managers, and ensuring every vehicle in the fleet has its running height recorded and readily available is key to reducing the number of bridge strikes. However, more needs to be done to drive down incident figures, and the wider adoption of low-bridge detection technology can play an important role

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In a survey of more than 1,000 UK van drivers, over half (58%) cite the difference between the fuel prices and the cost of charging an electric van, as a primary reason for making the switch.

The average UK diesel price has risen from 142p-145p per litre in late 2025 to about 183.49p per litre by September 2026.

According to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ research, the average van driver travels 13,190 miles each year, and in a diesel van this would cost them about £2,770 per year in fuel.

However, if that same driver switched to an electric van, charged at home or overnight in a depot, this would fall by 87% to £369.24 per year – a saving of £2,400.70 per year.

Also, 66% of van drivers surveyed think EVs are suitable for their business and 61% plan to purchase an electric van in the next 12 months.

The results come from a OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK van drivers, conducted in December 2025, covering the 2025 calendar year, commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

John Ricardo-Neto, Head of Product Planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “We know drivers are really feeling the pinch as the cost of living continues to rise, and this is all too apparent when van drivers fill up at the pumps.

“Fuel costs have gone up by 30% over the last year and this is making electric vans an even more attractive choice.”

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TfL has confirmed that route 6, which runs between Willesden and Victoria station, will be the first service to operate under the new name when the brand launches in late 2027.

A further four routes will be announced over the coming year, to come into operation from 2028. 

TfL currently contracts bus services to eight privately-owned operators across the capital’s almost 700 bus routes.

According to TfL, the creation of a publicly owned bus company will afford it greater control over how services are run, enabling it to boost reliability and safety while reinvesting profits to further improve the capital’s transport network.

Park Royal Depot will become the first operational site for ‘Buses for London’ and will be electrified to initially support about 100 zero-emission buses.

TfL is working in partnership with the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) to develop the site.

It is being leased to TfL until 2033 ahead of regeneration in line with the Old Oak Masterplan Framework. TfL and OPDC will work together to identify an alternative location for the depot ahead of the expiry of the lease. 

Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses, said: “The announcement marks an exciting new chapter for London’s buses and an important first step in exploring how a publicly owned bus company could support the future of the capital’s transport network.”

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Powered by Voltempo’s HyperCharger technology, the new Duxford hub features six high-power charging bays, with two full-length drive-in, drive-out bays for complete tractor and trailer combinations and four tractor-unit bays, delivering up to 1MW of power dynamically distributed across the site.

A second six bay 1MW charging hub at Bedford will soon be energised – also part of the eFreight 2030 project – giving the family-owned operator high-power charging infrastructure across both of its depots.

Welch’s began its electric HGV journey in 2023 with a 19-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide.

In October 2024, it became the first operator to put an electric tractor unit on the road through eFreight 2030, introducing the first of two 42-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech T delivered through the programme.

Further investment has seen a third E-Tech T and a DAF electric tractor unit join the fleet, with three 28-tonne Renault Trucks E-Techs also on order.

By January 2027, 12% of Welch’s fleet will be electric.

Chris Welch, Managing Director, Welch Group, said: “We made the decision early on that we wanted to be at the forefront of electric freight, but it has always had to make commercial sense.

“We’ve invested in the trucks, learned how to operate them in the real world and now have the high-power infrastructure at Cambridge and Bedford to support the next stage.

“We’re growing the business and winning significant new contracts, with our sustainability credentials increasingly important to customers.”

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The Supply of New Cars Order 2000 requires motor manufacturers to publish the number of pre-registered cars supplied and the gross income received by suppliers from selling those pre-registered cars. This information is published on a monthly basis.

Notes to Editors:

The Supply of New Cars Order 2000:

Pre-registered car

A new car which a supplier has caused to be registered before the terms and conditions of its supply to an end-user have been agreed, but does not include:
(a) a car so registered because its certificate of conformity with a vehicle type-approved under the EC Vehicle Type Approval Scheme is about to become invalid
(b) a car retained for a period of at least three months.

Supplier

A person that manufactures cars for supply within, or imports new cars for supply into, the UK, who had a market share of one per cent or more of the total supply of new cars in the UK in the preceding calendar year.

Pre-registrations data

The attached table shows the pre-registration figures for Great Britain, Northern Ireland, The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands in detail. Providing SMMTis acknowledged as the source of this information, the figures may be quoted. Substantial reproduction needs specific approval by 91��Ƭ������.

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