2015's new car sales reach 1.5 million following July's growth

The number of new cars sold in 2015 has reached 1.5 million after July saw an increase of 3.2% compared to the same month last year, according to the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders).

New car registrations have now grown for 41 consecutive months with the latest boost pushing the figure to 1,555,309.

This follows June's record breaking high in the first half of the year (1,376,889) and SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes welcomes the positive news.

"While more moderate than in recent months, July's rise in new car registrations is good news, and indicative of what we expect for the remainder of 2015," said Mike Hawes.

"With demand having reached a record high in the first half of the year, we anticipate more stable growth in the coming months."

SMMT's report also states that company car sales saw the strongest growth, with fleet registration up 6.4% on July 2014 (94,359), seeing the fleet sector gaining a 52.9% share of the UK new car market.

On the contrary, retail sales saw little improvement on July 2014 with a mere 1% growth, selling 77,500 units and a 43.4% market share.

Diesel cars dropped 4% on July 2014 despite making up for 49.1% of all cars sold, slightly higher than petrol's 48.4%.

Hybrid and electric car sales continue to catch the eye with registrations of alternatively-fuelled vehicles (AFVs) up 31% in July and 58.6% for the year so far.

Ford's Fiesta continues to dominate the record books with Britain's biggest-selling car shifting 8,504 units in July and more than 80,000 for 2015 so far.