UK new car sales fall for seventh month 06 | 11 | 2017
NEW CAR SALES in the UK fell by 12.2% in October as diesel sales dropped by almost a third. The figures, released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, confirm the seventh successive month of declining sales.
New registrations of 158,192 in October took the yearly total to 2,224,603, down 4.6% against the same 10 months last year.
Diesel sales dropped alarmingly: down by 29.9%, the biggest hit for the sector so far in 2017. Not surprisingly, the SMMT has called for greater clarity on diesel's future from the Government.
Sales of petrol cars rose 2.7%, while alternative fuel vehicles continue to grow in popularity with uptake rising by 36.9% compared to last October. It must be emphasised though, that percentage increase is built from a low sales platform in 2016.
Dealers reported 10.1% fewer private buyers taking deliveries, while there was also a drop of 26.8% and 13% in the business and fleet sectors respectively.
"Declining business and consumer confidence is undoubtedly affecting demand in the new car market,” Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “but this is being compounded by confusion over Government policy on diesel.
“Consumers need urgent reassurance that the latest, low emission diesel cars on sale will not face any bans, charges or other restrictions, anywhere in the UK.
"We urge the Government to use the forthcoming Autumn Budget to restore stability to the market, encouraging the purchase of the latest low emission vehicles as fleet renewal is the fastest and most effective way of addressing air quality concerns."
Related: New UK record for EV and plug-in sales
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Jim McGill