UK: Car Sales Slump As Recession Bites
Car sales in the UK slumped 21 per cent last month as the industry’s main trade body gave warning that carmakers are struggling with the worst economic conditions for years.
It is the fifth consecutive fall in sales of new cars in Britain and especially significant in light of the new registration plate which was issued in September had been expected to provide a sales boost.
Car registrations numbered 330,295 last month, down from 419,290 in September 2007. New registrations fell an annual 18.6 per cent in August to record their weakest showing since 1966.
Unsurprisingly top of the range cars and gas-guzzlers were heaviest hit with Land Rover falling 49 per cent; Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus fell 44 per cent; Bentley plunged 47 per cent and Alfa Romeo fell 44 per cent.
It is the fifth consecutive fall in sales of new cars in Britain and especially significant in light of the new registration plate which was issued in September had been expected to provide a sales boost.
Car registrations numbered 330,295 last month, down from 419,290 in September 2007. New registrations fell an annual 18.6 per cent in August to record their weakest showing since 1966.
Unsurprisingly top of the range cars and gas-guzzlers were heaviest hit with Land Rover falling 49 per cent; Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus fell 44 per cent; Bentley plunged 47 per cent and Alfa Romeo fell 44 per cent.