NEW car registrations fell almost 9% last month when compared with 2009 as nearly all major manufacturers saw a decline in numbers.
However, the figures are skewed because the Government’s scrappage scheme was in full flow last year, therefore any meaningful comparisons are difficult.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said it was not overly concerned by the decline and said if the scrappage factor was excluded then new registrations in September were actually up 16.3% compared with 2009, putting them on a par with 2008.
However, the impending cutbacks in public sector spending and subsequent job losses have cast a cloud on the situation and the SMMT said it was hoping the austerity measures did not lead to a decline in consumer confidence.
In the year-to-date, sales remain up 7.8%. The figures have been boosted by a 6.7% increase in fleet sales – although private and business sales are both down on last year.
The SMMT said the year was on target to see around two million new registrations, up marginally on last year.
Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: “Despite an 8.9% fall in September registrations, demand for new cars has stabilised and will end 2010 slightly up on last year.
“It is important that alongside government austerity measures, the comprehensive spending review signals a strong growth agenda to boost consumer and business confidence.”
