Frantic registration activity in the last few days of September meant the month’s new car market closed at 335,246 units, just 8.9% down on the scrappage-fuelled September 2009.

With September being the second most important registration month of the year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders remains upbeat that the market is still on track for 2 million registrations by year-end.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “It is important that alongside government’s austerity measures, the comprehensive spending review signals a strong growth agenda to boost consumer and business confidence.”

Over the past 12 months the total market has risen 14% to 2.11m new cars, however since the end of scrappage demand has dropped 11% in the last three months.

The fleet market remains resilient, up 12.9% year-to-date and with 6.7% growth in September.

The private and business sectors are weaker, with drops of 19% and 8.5% recorded in September.