Ditching diesel hits new car sales

SALES of new cars have fallen for the eighth month in a row as drivers shun diesels.

A total of 163,541 new cars were sold in the UK in November, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders – 11.2pc lower than the same month last year.

But sales of diesel cars were down 30.6pc as drivers worried about penalties amid a crackdown on air pollution – including a tax raid on them in last month’s Budget.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: ‘An eighth month of decline in the new car market is a major concern, with falling business and consumer confidence exacerbated by ongoing antidiesel messages from the Government.

‘Diesel remains the right choice for many drivers, not least because of its fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

‘The decision to tax the latest low-emission diesels is a step backwards and will only discourage drivers from trading in their older, more polluting cars.

‘Penalising the latest, cleanest diesels is counterproductive and will have detrimental environmental and economic consequences.’