THE used car market has increased significantly after two consecutive quarters of decline, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders

In the third quarter of this year the figures show an increase of 4.4 per cent making it the busiest quarter since the end of 2016.

Some 2,168,599 transactions took place between July and September 2020, 92,217 more than the same period in 2019, with September recording the largest growth, up 6.3 per cent.

However, the SMMT cautioned that despite the growth, spurred by the re-opening of showrooms and easing of lockdown measures across the country, the UK's used car market is still down with 1,070,941 fewer transactions over the first nine months representing a decline of 17.5 per cent overall.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive,said: "With England entering a fresh lockdown, and tighter Covid restrictions in place across the rest of the UK, the car is playing an even more important role in keeping society moving as public transport becomes less attractive for many.

"It is encouraging to see used car sales returned to growth but, as the pandemic continues and outlets in many areas are being made to close again, the short-term outlook is less positive. Given these premises are often proven to be Covid-secure, we need them to re-open quickly to protect vital jobs and ensure no further delay to the fleet renewal necessary to deliver environmental improvements."

With England in a new lockdown and the introduction of tougher restrictions and ‘firebreaks' across the devolved nations, sales in the fourth quarter are expected to be heavily affected.

The swift re-opening of used car outlets - which are generally spacious premises with outdoor areas and which can accommodate social distancing far more easily than other retail environments - would go a long way to help prevent further subdued activity in the market, enabling the latest, lowest emitting vehicles to filter through to second owners.

The most popular model on the used car market in the third quarter was the Ford Fiesta followed by the Ford Focus and the Vauxhall Corsa.