New Car Market Declines For Fifth Month In A Row

The new car market has declined for a fifth consecutive month, industry figures show.

Just over 76,400 new cars were registered in August, down 6.4% on the same month last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Some 1.64 million new cars have been sold so far this year, a decrease of 2.4% on the same period in 2016.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “August is typically a quiet month for the new car market as consumers and businesses delay purchases until the arrival of the new number plate in September.

“With the new 67-plate now available and a range of new models in showrooms, we anticipate the continuation of what are historically high levels of demand.”