UK: August New Car Sales Lowest Since 1966

New UK car registrations last month hit the lowest level for any August since 1966, industry figures show.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that new car registrations were down 18.6% to 63,225 compared with the same month in 2007.

It said that declining consumer confidence was hitting sales across all major European markets.

It has called on the UK government to take "sustained action" to boost the economy and restore confidence.

As well as weaker consumer confidence, the high price of petrol has also been deterring buyers.