Demand for new cars 'higher than expected' in 2011

Date: 9/1/2012

The demand for new cars was higher than expected in 2011, new figures have revealed.

According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), demand totalled 1,941,253 units last year - higher than the forecast of 1.92 million.

However, it was down 3.3 per cent on 2010's figure.

There was good news for the diesel and alternatively fuelled cars sector, as they both accounted for record shares of the market, with diesel volumes outselling petrol for the first time.

Indeed, at the beginning of December, the group revealed 55.6 per cent of cars sold in November were diesel fuelled, possibly due to support from the fleet industry.

Chief Executive of the SMMT Paul Everitt described 2011 as a "challenging year" for motoring.

He added that although 2012 is also likely to be tough, "significantly improved fuel efficiency and exciting new technologies will help to encourage consumers into showrooms."

Posted by Mary Treen