Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that the UK new car market declined by 3.5% year-on-year to 179,272 units in May. Year-to-date car sales to the end of May stand at 1,038,289 units – 0.6% behind last year’s pace.
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“The slowdown in the overall new car market in May comes as no surprise and reflects concerns across the economy,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.
“The figures are in line with SMMT forecasts for 2008, and we expect a tough year ahead. Vehicle manufacturers and dealers will have to work hard to attract consumers, who are facing increasing household and motoring expenses.”
Ford’s Focus maintained its best seller’s slot in May.
The small but rapidly expanding ‘mini’ segment – cars which typically have an engine size under 1-litre – showed the strongest growth in May, with registrations up 120% on last year at 2,912 units. The newly launched Hyundai i10 was the best seller in the segment.
So far this year the mini segment has grown 27% over the same period of last year to stand at 11,415 units.
