UK car demand continues to slide

London – The UK new car market declined for a sixth consecutive month in September, with 426,170 new units registered, according the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

September saw declines at different ends of the market with both luxury saloons and super-minis falling -36.4% and 21.2% respectively, said SMMT. This, it linked, to economic and political uncertainty as well as confusion over air-quality plans.

Confusion surrounding air quality plans is “undermining” the roll out of new low-emissions models, added SMMT. Indeed, it warned that this trend could actually lead to a rise in average new-car CO2 levels in the UK this year.

“September is always a barometer of the health of the UK new car market so this decline will cause considerable concern,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

“Business and political uncertainty is reducing buyer confidence, with consumers and businesses more likely to delay big ticket purchases,” added Hawes, noting that confusion around air quality plans had also hit the market.