Fleet sales boost car registrations to 16-year high

An increase in fleet vehicle sales has seen car registrations hit a 16-year high.

Car registrations for March 2015 were higher than at any other point in the last 16 years, with the boost attributed to a greater confidence in the economy leading fleet buyers to splash out.

Fleet sales have risen 11.6% year on year, with registrations so far this year increasing by 6.8%. UK car production is expected to exceed pre-recession levels this year, helped by a strong export market that sees 257,300 cars rolling off UK production lines

Mike Hawes, chief executive at the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, has welcomed the news, saying; “The best month this century for new car registrations is a welcome boost for the UK’s thriving automotive sector.

“The challenge for a new government and industry will be to maintain this momentum and to strengthen Britain’s manufacturing capabilities through continued investment, innovation and policies, which maintain our global competitiveness.”

Ford remains the best selling car brand in the UK.