Car finance new business volumes grew by 3% in April

New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer car finance new business volumes grew by 3% in April 2026 compared with the same month in 2025. The corresponding value of new business was 9% higher over the same period. In the first four months of 2026, new business volumes grew by 4% compared with the same period in 2025.

The consumer new car finance market reported new business up 25% by value and 21% by volume in April compared with the same month in 2025. In the first four months of 2026, new business volumes in this market were 16% higher than in the same period in 2025.

The consumer used car finance market reported the value of new business in April 2% lower than in the same month in 2025, while new business volumes fell by 3%.  In the first four months of 2026, new business volumes in this market were 2% lower than in the same period in 2025.

Commenting on the figures, Geraldine Kilkelly, Director of Research and Chief Economist at the FLA, said:

“The consumer car finance market made a positive start to the second quarter of 2026, driven by strong growth in new car finance.

“In the near term, the backdrop remains challenging, with cost pressures, weak confidence and higher interest rates weighing on activity. However, the recent US‑Iran agreement marks an important turning point, offering greater stability in energy markets and improving the medium‑term outlook for growth and inflation.”