UK Car Registrations Lowest Since 1966

New car registrations fell through the floor in August to their lowest level since 1966. The news prompted the SMMT to call on government to kick-start consumer confidence. “August is one of the quietest months for the new car market, but this year it was the lowest since 1966 with only 63,225 registrations,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.

News of the slow-down in the UK reportedly mirrors the difficult conditions being experienced across the main European markets. The SMMT’s registration announcement follows Toyota decision to cut production for five months at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire.

However, it was all bad. Volumes in the mini segment doubled in August, taking year-to-date increase to 37.1 per cent. At the same time diesel engines continue to grow in popularity and now account for 43.2 per cent of 2008’s new car market, year-to-date.