Diesel car registrations 'on the up'

Date: 6/3/2012

There was an increase in the number of diesel cars purchased in February, new figures have revealed.

Published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), data showed registrations went up by 4.9 per cent last month compared with January.

This means diesel engines now have a market share of 53.9 per cent, which is a 50.1 per cent growth on the previous year's figure.

Overall, new car registrations dipped slightly in February, declining by 2.5 per cent.

However, this was expected ahead of the number plate change in March.

Alternatively-fuelled car registrations recorded a slight increase in February.

SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: "The March market will provide a much better indicator of industry health than the relatively low volumes traditionally seen in February."

The group recently predicted new car sales will top £5 billion this month, as around 350,000 new motors are expected to be registered.

Posted by Mary Treen