CHINESE brands dominated the UK new car market as it rose by 13.7 per cent in September to reach 312,891 registrations, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The performance was the strongest for the crucial ‘new numberplate' month since September 2020 which, despite lockdown restrictions, remains the best so far this decade.

All market sectors drove growth, with the biggest increase recorded by fleets, where volumes rose 16.9 per cent to reach 174,336 units as EVs boomed.

Jaecoo entered the Top Ten in fourth place with 6,489 sales, BYD sixth with the Seal U and MG eighth with its HS SUV.

Private consumer demand rose, up 8.9 per cent to 131,003 units, while business registrations rose 28.6 per cent to reach 7,552 deliveries.

More than half, some 50.8 per cent, of all new vehicles registered during the 75-plate month were electrified.

Plug-in hybrids were the fastest growing powertrain, rising 56.4 per cent to achieve a 12.2 per cent market share, while hybrid electric vehicles comprised 15.3 per cent of deliveries.

Battery electric vehicle uptake grew by 29.1 per cent, on par with the growth seen so far this year.

With 72,779 registrations it was the best month on record for BEV volumes, accounting for 23.3 per cent of the market, driven by manufacturer discounting, an ever-increasing choice of models, and the introduction of the Electric Car Grant, which provided added impetus in certain segments.

Qualifying models - which comprise about 25 per cent of available BEVs - enjoyed growth in uptake that outpaced the overall electric market.

September typically accounts for around one in seven annual registrations and the strong performance offers a welcome boost after a summer slowdown.

Demonstrating the sector's resilience, overall demand year to date is up 4.2 per cent, while the significant efforts to grow BEV demand are succeeding, with zero emission vehicles comprising more than one in five (22.1 per cent) new cars registered so far in 2025.

The SMMT said that boosting demand is critical, with an ongoing gap between EV uptake and government targets.

The society added while rising electrified vehicle volumes can also help, private buyers, who account for fewer than one in four (24.5 per cent) new BEV registrations year to date, must be re-energised with more confidence to switch to zero emission motoring.

The Electric Car Grant can help break down one barrier to uptake - affordability.

Further efforts to sustain and grow demand, matching those already made by manufacturers, can help boost confidence, drive up volumes across the sector and deliver the fleet renewal so essential for the UK's net zero goals.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said:"Electrified vehicles are powering market growth after a sluggish summer - and with record ZEV uptake, massive industry investment is paying off, despite demand still trailing ambition.

"The Electric Car Grant will help to break down one of the barriers holding back more drivers from making the switch - and tackling remaining roadblocks, by unlocking infrastructure investment and driving down energy costs, will be crucial to the success of the industry and the environmental goals we share."