New Car Registrations Down In November

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Wed, 08 Dec 2010

The number of new cars sold in the UK fell for the fifth month in a row in November, according to latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

New car sales for November totalled 139,875 - 11.5 per cent less than the same month last year.

However, the SMMT said the figures were better than expected as new registrations in 2009 were inflated by scrappage scheme sales, and added that it still expected total registrations for the year to surpass last year’s figure.

Paul Everitt, the group’s chief executive, said: "New car registrations fell by less than expected in November, with demand from the fleet sector helping to offset the market rebalancing following the end of the Scrappage Incentive Scheme."

"Year-end volumes are expected to be more than 2.03 million cars, 2 per cent up from last year, but next year will continue to be challenging as consumer spending tightens and the Government’s austerity measures take effect."

The Ford Fiesta was the most popular new car in November, with 6488 models sold across the UK.

In second place was the Ford Focus with 5537 units sold, followed by the Volkswagen Golf (5220), Vauxhall Astra (4700) and Vauxhall Insignia (3915).