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The UK new car market declined for a seventh consecutive month in October with 158,192 new units registered, a drop of 12.2%, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Declines were seen across all sectors, with business and fleet demand down 26.8% and 13.0% respectively. Meanwhile, dealers reported that 10.1% fewer private buyers took delivery of new cars during the month.
Diesel vehicles were the biggest loser, as continuing consumer concerns resulted in its biggest hit yet, with demand down 29.9%.
Meanwhile, alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) demand continued to rise, up 36.9% to 8,244 registrations, while petrol model figures grew by 2.7%.
Year-to-date, the overall market is down 4.6% on 2016 levels, with 2,224,603 cars registered in the first ten months.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "Declining business and consumer confidence is undoubtedly affecting demand in the new car market but this is being compounded by confusion over government policy on diesel.
"Consumers need urgent reassurance that the latest, low-emission diesel cars on sale will not face any bans, charges or other restrictions, anywhere in the UK. We urge the government to use the forthcoming Autumn Budget to restore stability to the market, encouraging the purchase of the latest low-emission vehicles as fleet renewal is the fastest and most effective way of addressing air quality concerns."
The Ford Fiesta was the biggest seller of the month with 7,256 registrations, followed closely by the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus with 5,547 and 4,503 registrations respectively.
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