BUSINESS fleets have started 2015 with a bang clocking up a huge rise in new car registrations, according to latest figures from the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

January saw a whopping 18.1% rise in registrations for fleets of 25 vehicles or more, the strongest increase since December 2013.
Fleet registrations have been increasing consistently since 2012 as UK business confidence has bounced back since the recession. Just 882,415 cars were registered to fleets in 2009; this grew to 1,178,416 in 2014.

Currently, the strong pound means that manufacturers can offer attractive finance packages to fleet buyers in the UK.
Because 2011 was a strong year for fleet registrations and with most companies on a three-year replacement cycle, cars registered at that time are now due to be replaced.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, 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.”

Top five fleet registrations: January