UK New Car Sales Surge in September 2026: The Key Trends Explained

According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 350,536 new cars were registered in September 2026 – a 12% increase compared with the same month last year. It was also the strongest September for new car registrations since 2017.

The new 76 registration plate played its usual part in driving demand, but there are some bigger changes taking place across the market too.

Electric cars reached a record monthly volume, Chinese manufacturers continued to make an impact, and the Jaecoo 7 became the UK's best-selling car for September.

So, what do the latest UK new car sales figures tell us about the market?

September delivers the strongest new car market since 2017

The UK new car market recorded 350,536 registrations in September, up from 312,891 in September 2025.

That represents a 12% year-on-year increase and makes September the strongest month for new car registrations since 2017.

September is traditionally one of the biggest months of the year for new car sales, thanks to the introduction of the latest registration plate. However, the latest figures continue a wider period of growth for the UK market.

New car registrations have now increased for ten consecutive months, with greater choice, manufacturer incentives and competitive pricing all helping to encourage buyers into the new car market.

The Jaecoo 7 was the UK's best-selling car

Perhaps the biggest surprise from September's figures was the car at the top of the sales chart.

The Jaecoo 7 recorded 10,814 registrations, making it the UK's best-selling new car during September. It finished ahead of the Tesla Model 3, Ford Puma and Kia Sportage.

The result is particularly notable because Jaecoo is a relatively new name in the UK car market. The brand only arrived in Britain in 2025, but the 7 has quickly become one of the country's most popular new cars.

With 39,474 registrations during the first nine months of 2026, the Jaecoo 7 is now second in the overall 2026 sales rankings, behind the Ford Puma.

Its success also highlights the growing influence of Chinese car manufacturers in the UK, with buyers now having more choice than ever when it comes to new SUVs.

Which cars were the most popular in September?

The Jaecoo 7 wasn't the only model to have a strong month.

The top 10 best-selling cars in the UK during September 2026 were:

• Jaecoo 7 – 10,814
• Tesla Model 3 – 9,929
• Ford Puma – 6,958
• Kia Sportage – 6,521
• Tesla Model Y – 5,946
• Nissan Qashqai – 5,554
• Vauxhall Corsa – 5,498
• Volkswagen Golf – 5,496
• MG HS – 5,444
• Audi A3 – 5,268

The list shows just how varied the UK new car market has become, with everything from small hatchbacks to family SUVs and electric cars appearing among the country's most popular models.

Electric car sales reach a new record

One of the biggest stories from September was the continued growth of electric cars.

A record 99,201 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered during the month, up 36.3% compared with September 2025. That gave fully electric cars a 28.3% share of the new car market.

Plug-in hybrid sales also increased significantly, with 59,571 PHEVs registered – up 55.5% year on year and enough to give them a 17% market share.

Combined, battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars accounted for more than 45% of all new car registrations in September.

Hybrid cars without a plug-in function accounted for a further 13.1%, meaning electrified vehicles of all types made up more than half of the market during the month.

Petrol continues to lose market share

As electric and plug-in hybrid sales have increased, the share of new petrol cars has continued to fall.

There were 131,864 petrol cars registered in September, down 6.7% compared with the same month in 2025. Petrol cars accounted for 37.6% of the market, compared with 45.2% a year earlier.

Diesel remained a much smaller part of the market, accounting for just 4% of September registrations, although registrations were slightly higher than in September 2025.

The figures show how quickly the mix of new cars being sold in the UK is changing, particularly as manufacturers continue to expand their electric and plug-in hybrid ranges.

Fleet and business buyers remain important

Private buyers weren't the only ones contributing to September's strong performance.

A total of 190,998 cars were registered to fleets during the month, up 9.6% year on year. A further 10,372 were registered by businesses, representing a 37.3% increase compared with September 2025.

Together, fleet and business registrations accounted for 201,370 new cars, or 57.5% of all registrations during September.

The trend is even more significant when looking at the year so far. Fleet and business registrations have now passed the one-million mark during the first nine months of 2026, with more than 1.04 million cars registered to these sectors.

This also highlights the important role that company car and fleet buyers are playing in the UK's switch towards electric vehicles.

Why are new car sales increasing?

There isn't one single reason behind September's strong performance.

The introduction of the new 76 registration plate is a major factor, as September and March are traditionally the busiest months for new car registrations.

However, the SMMT says the wider growth in the market is also being driven by increased competition, a greater choice of models and attractive manufacturer incentives.

The number of electric cars available to UK buyers has also increased significantly. There are now 178 battery electric models available in the UK, more than twice as many as in 2023, alongside more than 110 plug-in hybrids and around 50 conventional hybrids.

That means buyers have more choice than ever, whether they're looking for a small electric car, a family SUV, a company car or something more premium.

Are electric car sales on track for 2026 targets?

Despite September's record EV performance, the market is still behind the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate target.

Battery electric cars accounted for 26.2% of registrations during the first nine months of 2026. The headline target for manufacturers this year is 33%, meaning the industry still has ground to make up during the final quarter.

What do the September figures mean for car buyers?

For anyone considering a new car, the latest registration figures point to a market with more choice and increasing competition between manufacturers.

Electric cars are becoming more mainstream, while plug-in hybrids are also growing rapidly. At the same time, established manufacturers are facing stronger competition from newer brands, particularly from China.

For buyers, that competition can mean more models to choose from and more competitive offers.

And with leasing giving drivers access to new cars without having to buy the vehicle outright, it's another way to take advantage of the growing choice of new models entering the UK market.

Looking for a new car?

Whether you're looking for a new electric car, a family SUV or a practical everyday vehicle, leasing can be a flexible way to get behind the wheel of a brand-new car.

At Jurni, we offer a wide range of new car leasing deals from leading manufacturers, with a choice of vehicles to suit different budgets, lifestyles and requirements.

Take a look at our latest leasing offers to find your next new car.