- February new car registrations down 14,368 units or 15.7 per cent to 77,092
- New car registrations down 10.5 per cent year-to-date following record first quarter in 2004
- Diesel market rises 3.5 per cent in February to 28,208 units
- March market predicted to reach 437,000 units, worth around £5.9bn
Commenting on the figures, SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan, said, ‘February is traditionally a slow month as new car buyers and the motor industry prepare for the surge that accompanies the March plate change. After last year’s significant growth in the first quarter, we expect March registrations to fall by around six per cent. While this is lower than last year’s record total, it still represents a new car market in good shape.’
For comment and analysis and tables please click on the link below.
