Car sales fall for 11th month running

● Shift away from diesel continues as market share slips further in February

rate. This came after the UK government unveiled plans to ban the sale of all conventional diesel and petrol cars by 2040. Environmental groups have called for restrictions on the most polluting cars entering towns and cities with the worst air quality.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Although the new car market has dipped, it remains at a good level despite the drop in demand for diesel.

“Consumers should be reassured, however, that the latest cars are the cleanest in history and can help address air quality issues, which is why they are exempt from any restrictions.

“Looking ahead to the crucial number plate change month of March, we expect a further softening, given March 2017 was a record as registrations were pulled forward to avoid VED changes.”

Archer said although it was another month of falling sales the “sector may take limited consolation from the fact that the declines were less than the double-digit year-on-year drops seen over the previous three months.

“It is also possible that sales in January and February suffered modestly as a consequence of some car sales being brought forward into the first quarter of 2017 by consumers and businesses looking to beat VED changes.”