New car crash

Sales of new cars fell last year for the first time since 2011. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said the number of vehicles sold tumbled 5.6% to 2.54 million – with December suffering a 13.9% slump.

SMMT chief Mike Hawes blamed falling consumer confidence and a drop in demand for diesel cars amid emission concerns. Diesel sales fell 17.1% last year and by 31% in December alone.

Hawes warned sales would be down this year too.

“We think it will be by between 5% and 7%,” he said.