NEW CAR SALES SLUMP CONTINUES

The UK new car market suffered its eighth consecutive month of decline in November, with the government’s “anti-diesel message” named as a main factor.

Figures from industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that new car demand fell by 11.2 per cent, compared with the same month last year.

Demand for diesel-powered cars was down by 30.6 per cent, which the sm mt attributed to “anti-diesel messages” from the government.

By contrast, demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles increased by 33.1 per cent, accounting for an overall market share of 5.4 per cent.

Demand for petrol cars was also up, rising five per cent compared with November 2016.

So far in 2017, 2,388,144 new cars have hit UK roads – a five per cent decline compared with year-to-date figures for 2016.

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

Simon Benson, director of motoring services at AA Cars, added: “The SMMT warned last month that if the government failed to intervene, the new car market would continue to suffer, and sadly that proves to have been the case.

“Anyone holding out for a confidence boost from the Budget will have been so rely disappointed, as thestatement only served to further exacerbate the problem.”