http://www.smmt.co.uk/2016/02/uk-new-car-market-starts-2016-on-a-high-with-best-january-in-11-years/

Commenting on today's SMMT figures, Ian Gilmartin, Head of Retail & Wholesale at Barclays, said: 'A sparkling performance from the new car market in January, which is doubly impressive when the wider operating environment is taken into account. The industry has shrugged off the recent uncertainty in the UK and global economy and retained the momentum gained during a record breaking 2015. Last year's success was driven by growth in fleet sales, so it's particularly pleasing to see the jump in private buyers during January, as well as a staggering one-third increase in alternatively-fuelled vehicles. Balance in the type of sales will be crucial as 2016 progresses, so to demonstrate strength across the board is very encouraging.

All eyes now will be looking forward to the plate change on March 1st. It's not going to be easy to keep up this level of growth due to the high level of registrations achieved last year, so we may see more moderate and balanced figures in future months, but based on today's data it looks like the industry is in good shape to replicate recent successes.'

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Barclays plc issued this content on 04 February 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 04 February 2016 14:29:18 UTC

Original Document: http://www.newsroom.barclays.com/r/3302/smmt_new_car_registrations_-_barclays__comment