Alternatively-fuelled car purchases on the up

Date: 6/12/2011

There has been an increase in the number of people in the UK purchasing environmentally-friendly cars, figures have revealed.

Data regarding new car registrations published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found alternatively-fuelled vehicles accounted for 1.6 per cent of the market share in November - a record number for the sector.

Similarly, 55.6 per cent of cars sold last month were powered by diesel and the organisation suggested this is due to support from the fleet industry.

However, there was a 4.2 per cent decline in demand for new cars during the timeframe.

SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: "While the November new car market saw a 4.2 per cent dip, the fuel efficiency of new models broke all records, with the average new car achieving 52.5mpg."

The trend for the use of eco-friendly vehicles could be one that grows in future, as Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express and CarBuyer Steve Fowler predicted there will be an increase in the use of hybrid solutions that combine engines and electricity.

Posted by Nick Anderson