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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is reporting a positive start to the year for the new car market.

Registrations grew 6.7% in January to 164,856 units – the strongest January since 2007. As a result, the record growth period for the whole market continues: January marked the 35th consecutive month of rises.

Growth in company car registrations was particularly strong, – up 18.1% on January 2014. Also, 4,598 alternatively-fuelled vehicles were registered in January, up 60.8% on last year’s figure of 2,859.

Commenting on the figures, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes (pictured) said, “These figures mark an encouraging start to the year after a very strong 2014, with a strikingly robust company car market as businesses take advantage of the attractive finance offers currently available.

“January saw increased uptake of both petrol and diesel cars, while demand for alternatively-fuelled vehicles continued its surge with registrations rising by 60.8%. Registrations of plug-in vehicles were particularly strong as consumers responded to a greater choice of makes and models delivering lower running costs.

“Last year’s 9.3% rise in the overall market was fuelled by stronger than expected economic confidence and, for 2015, we expect to see some levelling off throughout the year: demand is back to pre-recession levels following record-breaking growth.”

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