UK car sales plummet 30% on year

Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have revealed yet another fall in new car sales.

The SMMT said 313,912 new vehicles were registered in March 2009 - a fall of 30.5% compared with March 2008’s figure.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said the continued fall in the market shows that “the Government needs to do more to boost confidence“.

At the end of January, Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, unveiled a rescue package of £2.3 billion for the UK’s ailing car industry.

However, other European countries have introduced a car-scrappage scheme, which is proving successful. Germany reported a 40% increase in new car sales last month.

The scheme, which pays consumers to get rid of their old cars and replace it with a more environmentally friendly car, has so far been rejected by the UK Government who said it was “unsure whether it would offer value for money”.

Meanwhile, for the fifth consecutive month, the Ford Fiesta was the best-selling car, with the Vauxhall Corsa in second place.

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