New 2014 Ford Fiesta ST Red

Car sales in the UK hit a 10-year high in 2014 according to a report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) with a whopping 2.47 million new cars finding new owners.

The figures represent an improvement of 9% compared to sales in 2013 with December’s sales increase representing the 34th consecutive monthly jump.

Equally impressive, sales figures from 2104 represent the fourth-largest of all time with only 2002, 2003 and 2004 seeing more cars sold.

SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes said, “UK new car registrations returned to pre-recession levels in 2014, as pent-up demand from the recession years combined with confidence in the economy saw consumer demand for the latest models grow consistently and strongly. The year was particularly strong for alternatively-fuelled vehicles as increased choice, coupled with a growing desire for reduced costs and greater efficiency, resulted in a quadrupling of plug-in car registrations over 2013. With a variety of new plug-in models expected in 2015, this area of the market will continue to grow significantly. For the market as a whole, we expect a more stable 2015 as demand levels off.”

Sales figures from 2104 represent the fourth-largest of all time

The UK remains to be the second largest market for new cars in EU (behind Germany and ahead of France, Italy and Spain). The UK also recorded the second-largest growth of these top five EU markets.

UK Car sales 2008 to 2015 SMMT

Ford Fiesta still leading the pack

The UK’s favorite car, the mighty Ford Fiesta continues to dominate sales in the UK with over 130,000 sold in 2014. The Focus came in second with a little over 85,000 units, outselling the Corsa by less than 4,000 in the year.

With all the hyperaround Ford’s prize winning hatchback we’re keen to try one for ourselves… keep posted for the review coming soon!