UK new car registrations hit record August 2026

UK new‑car registrations in August 2026 rose 13.7% to 94,236, delivering the strongest August since the 1999 number‑plate change. Growth occurred across private, fleet and business channels, and electric‑power‑train sales surged, signalling a favourable overall market trend for dealers today.

Key takeaways

• Registrations rose 13.7% to 94,236, the best August since 1999.
• Private, fleet and business registrations all grew year‑on‑year.
• All powertrains except petrol increased; plug‑in hybrids up 39.8%.
• Electric vehicle registrations jumped 27.7%, reaching 29.8% of the market.

Overall market performance

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported 94,236 new‑car registrations in August 2026, a 13.7% increase on August 2025. The rise marked the ninth consecutive month of growth, breaking the historic August slump and confirming expanding demand across the sector.

Private registrations jumped 19% to 40.8% of total sales, fleet sales rose 10.1% to 57.2% of registrations and business registrations increased 14.5%, accounting for 2% of the market.

Powertrain mix and electric uptake

All powertrains except petrol recorded growth. Plug‑in hybrids led with a 39.8% rise, reaching 14.5% of registrations, while battery‑electric vehicles (BEVs) increased 27.7% to capture 29.8% of the market. Petrol models fell 3.5% yet remained the largest segment at 45.1%.

BEV's share for the first eight months of 2026 reached a record 25.6%, still short of the government’s Zero‑Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate target of 33% for the year.

Top‑selling models

The Ford Puma emerged as August’s best‑selling new car with 2,795 registrations, followed by the Jaecoo 7 which logged 2,022 units. The Puma also leads the year‑to‑date tally with 35,968 registrations, well ahead of the Kia Sportage’s 30,564.

Among electric models, the Tesla Model 3 was the most popular BEV, selling 1,296 units in August, reinforcing its strong position in the UK EV market.

Industry commentary

SMMT chief Mike Hawes said August was a bright spot for the new‑car market and highlighted strong electric‑car uptake, noting that manufacturers’ incentives and discounts are encouraging buyers despite lingering price and charging concerns.

He added that September will be the acid test, urging a realistic approach to the ZEV mandate and a government review to balance demand, consumer choice and the investment needed for net‑zero goals.

What this means for dealers

The surge in registrations, especially for electric and plug‑in hybrid models, suggests dealers should prioritise inventory of BEVs and PHEVs and be prepared to offer competitive financing and charging solutions.

Continued growth across private and fleet channels means maintaining strong relationships with corporate customers, while monitoring September sales will indicate whether the August momentum can be sustained.

Frequently asked questions

How did electric vehicle registrations perform in August 2026?

Electric vehicle registrations rose 27.7% in August 2026, reaching 29.8% of total new‑car registrations. Battery‑electric vehicles accounted for the largest share of the growth, contributing to a record 25.6% BEV penetration for the first eight months of the year.

Which model was the top seller in August 2026?

The Ford Puma was the best‑selling new car in August 2026, with 2,795 registrations. It also led the year‑to‑date chart with 35,968 registrations, comfortably ahead of its nearest rival, the Kia Sportage.

What impact does the August growth have on dealer inventory strategy?

Dealers should consider expanding stock of electric and plug‑in hybrid models to meet rising demand, while also maintaining a broad range for private and fleet customers. Competitive incentives and charging support will be key to attracting buyers as the market continues to shift towards low‑emission vehicles.