RECORD car sales in November – up 3.8% year on year according to SMMT figures – are paving the way to complete a record year with new car sales likely to exceed 2.6m in 2015, predicts CAP.

It’s good news for the industry and the record car sales reflects the leasing industry’s strengthening role.

A recent study of UK dealers by CAP suggested the largest section – 46.3% – believe that 2016 will beat 2015 for new car registrations, while only 29% thought new car sales wouldn’t exceed this year.

Philip Nothard, CAP consumer and retail editor, says: “2015 is set to be the biggest year for new vehicle registrations on record.

“We are predicting sales will exceed 2.6m vehicles, and while pre-registration has played a part in hitting this number, we are seeing a shift in the way we purchase a vehicle. The rise in PCP and a wide variety of leasing products, means manufacturers are able to offer some eye-catching deals.

“The UK car industry is coming to the end of one of its biggest years for a decade, exceeding pre-recession sales in 2008 and post-recession sales in 2014. Used vehicle sales are set to hit 7.5m, as strong demand continues to drive the market.

“As confidence extends into next year, it will be important to manage the used vehicle supply chain to protect residual values. Manufacturers are acutely aware that the ability to offer a good deal on the front end relies on maintaining residual values.

“There’s a lot to be excited about, as we head towards four years of non-stop growth in UK car sales in 2016 – something for dealers to celebrate.”

While CAP has reported a slide in used values over the last three months, it suggested prices are likely to stabilise in January as demand increases.