SCOTTISH TOP 5 - JUNE

The new car market has declined for a third consecutive month, but shows signs of stabilising amid a jump in sales of electric and hybrid vehicles.

Industry figures yesterday revealed a 4.8 per cent yearon-year decline in registrations last month, following much sharper falls in April and May. North of the Border, there was a 5.7 per cent fall in June. Many buyers brought orders forward to March ahead of new vehicle excise duty (VED) rates coming into force, including the introduction of a “luxury” levy that sees anyone purchasing a diesel or petrol vehicle above £40,000 being stung to the tune of £450 a year, for five years, on top of the regular VED rate.

Demand for new diesel cars dropped by 14.7 per cent last month, while petrol rose 2.5 per cent and alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVS) leapt 1. Ford Fiesta (814) 2. Vauxhall Astra (660) 3. Mini (542) 4. Volkswagen Golf (505) 5. Renault Clio (499)