October UK new car sales were off 22.2% but the year to date tally was up 4.8% to 1,767,154, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

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“There was a significant fall in October’s new car registrations, reflecting the impact of the scrappage incentive ccheme at this time last year and some deterioration in consumer confidence. Total new car registrations in 2010 are forecast to be 2.026m units, 1.5% up on 2009,” said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.

“The industry expects the coming months to be challenging with slow, but steady, economic growth feeding through to improved confidence and demand during 2011.”

Diesel powered cars reached record market share of 54.7% and year to date share of 45.3%.

The Ford Fiesta was again the best selling model, but registrations of supermini and mini segment cars have fallen sharply in recent months, the SMMT noted.

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