New car registrations in the UK increased by 13.7% year-on-year to 94,236 units in August 2026, accelerating from an 11.7% rise in the previous month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This marked the ninth consecutive month of growth, furthering the market’s recovery toward pre-pandemic levels. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle registrations surged 39.8% to 13,707 units, while battery electric vehicle registrations climbed 27.7% to 28,063. Hybrid electric vehicles also posted strong gains, rising 26.3% to 11,940 units. These increases more than offset a 2.5% decline in petrol vehicle registrations, which fell to 36,048.