Car sales slump continues to ease

• March sales up 5.9% on expected levels
• Lowest CO2 output for the first quarter
• Diesel registrations on the increase

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More than 366,100 new cars were registered in March – 5.9% up on the forecasted decrease in sales for this period, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Year-on-year sales were down by 7.9%, but the slowing of the decrease is seen as a positive trend in new car sales.

March is generally a strong month for new car registrations, with the new 11-plate becoming available.

Record drop in CO2
The first quarter’s average CO2 emissions, were also revealed – they were the lowest-ever figures with a decrease of 3.4% to 140.3g/km.

The cut in emissions could be attributed to the rise in popularity of diesel cars, which enjoyed a 7.1% increase in sales over those in March of 2010. Registrations of petrol cars dropped by a similar margin.