FEBRUARY saw new car registrations fall 7.7 per cent the latest figures published by the SMMT reveal.
Registrations fell to 63,424 units but the figure is ‘less than expected’ with the month’s outturn being six per cent above the SMMT’s forecast figures.
Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: ‘The UK motor industry is looking for a strong March market to help boost confidence and kick start demand for the new 11-plate.
‘February new car registrations were better than expected and whilst below 2010 levels, they were significantly ahead of 2009 and on an improving trend.
‘This month’s Budget will be critical in determining consumer and business confidence and the ongoing stability of the market. We’re looking for certainty on motoring taxes, a freeze on fuel duty and measures that support business investment and access to finance and credit.’
February’s figures represented the eight consecutive month that registrations have fallen, and registrations in the first two months of 2011 have declined by 10.2 per cent or 21,930 units.
Over the last three and six month periods the market has fallen by approximately 13 per cent, although over the past 12 months was down just 1.7 per cent.
The Volkswagen Golf was the best-seller in February with 2,709 sales, with the Ford Focus remaining to be number one in year-to-date sales with 10,065 units.
