UK BEST -SELLERS

Sales of new cars have tumbled for a seventh consecutive month amid a slump in consumer confidence with diesel sales falling by nearly a third.

Industry figures yesterday revealed that just over 158,000 motors were registered Ukwide during October, down 12.2 per cent on the same month last year. In Scotland, they fell by 14.7 per cent.

Trade body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) blamed a fall in consumer confidence for the decline, prompting the industry to call for help in the Chancellor’s upcoming Budget. Demand for diesel cars continued to drop sharply – falling 29.9 per cent in October and 14.9 per cent for the year so far.

Petrol models were up 2.7 per cent last month, while alternatively-fuelled vehicles rose 36.9 per cent to achieve a market share of 5.2 per cent.

Governments on both sides of the Border have recently ● Ford Fiesta: 7,256 ● Volkswagen Golf: 5,547 ● Ford Focus: 4,503 ● Nissan Qashqai: 3,923 ● Mercedes A-class: 3,390