Car Sales Advance 1% in U.K.

New-car registrations in the U.K. rose 1% to 343,300 units last month, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reports.

The meager gain compares with an abnormal 21% drop in sales to 338,800 units a year ago, caused by Europe’s shift to WLTP emission certification rules. Sales in a more normal September 2017 totaled 426,200 vehicles, according to SMMT.

Deliveries last month were buoyed by a fleet sales, which climbed 9% to 168,900 units. Sales to individuals were flat at 163,200 vehicles. Business registrations plummeted 45% to 11,200.

Sales through the first nine months of 2019 receded 3% to 1.86 million units. Demand for diesels dropped 20%. SMMT blames the weak market on continuing political and economic uncertainty caused by the U.K. impending break from the European Union.