Car sales slump continues to ease

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 quarters 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.

Top 10 best-sellers in February 2011
Position
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10March sales
Ford Fiesta
Ford Focus
Vauxhall Corsa
Vauxhall Astra
Volkswagen Golf
Vauxhall Insignia
Volkswagen Polo
Peugeot 207
Mini
BMW 3-SeriesRegistered
19,676
14,370
13,556
10,704
10,282
7826
7634
7184
7040
6103Year-to-date
Ford Fiesta
Ford Focus
Vauxhall Corsa
Vauxhall Astra
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Polo
Vauxhall Insignia
Peugeot 207
BMW 3 Series
Nissan Qashqai
Registered
27,924
24,435
20,536
17,250
17,101
12,214
11,904
10,335
10,141
9253