Car Sales in U.K. Surge to 17-Year High

New passenger vehicle sales in the U.K. grew 5% to 518,700 units in March, their strongest month since 1999.

March’s traditionally high volumes have surpassed 500,000 vehicles only twice before, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reports. The group says sales for the first quarter advanced 5% to a record 771,800 units.

SMMT says registrations of diesel and gasoline cars each grew 5% in March to 240,500 units and 260,800 units, respectively. Demand for alternative-fuel vehicles last month surged 22% to 17,400 units.

The trade group predicts sales later this year will remain high but “broadly stable,” pending the impact of political and economic uncertainty.