The UK's new car market grew by 11.7% in July compared with the same month last year, new figures show. Some 156,571 new cars were registered last month, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. The SMMT said the uplift marks the eighth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "July's record EV performance is a great achievement, reflecting industry's huge investment in zero emission mobility. "The Gulf conflict has focused the minds of car buyers on lower cost motoring options, so demand remains particularly strong for electrified vehicles.