Sales In Feb.6 Mar 2017 16:57
New car registrations fell 0.3% in February following weak demand that economists found surprising, but the industry expects sales to go up a gear in March despite concerns about consumer confidence.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported a dip in new car registrations to 81,115 units last month from 83,395 in February 2016 following waning demand from both individuals and companies in a traditionally quiet month for new registration ahead of the number plate change in March.
Private new car registrations were down 4.4% year-over-year in February to 36,018 units, compared to the 5% rise in January, while business registration dropped 5.3% to 1,398, although fleet registrations rose 3.3% to 45,699.