New car registrations here in the UK fell 2.5% year on year in February to 61,868 units.
The market was flat over the first two months of 2012, down just 0.8%. Private registrations stabilised, up 2.1% over the first two months of the year.
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February typically accounts for just 3.3% of annual registrations, ahead of the plate identifier change in March.
“The February new car market was broadly in line with industry expectations with a welcome increase in private retail activity,” said SMMT CEO Paul Everitt.
“The March market will provide a much better indicator of industry health than the relatively low volumes traditionally seen in February. It is extremely important that the chancellor [finance minister] uses this month’s budget to strengthen consumer and business confidence by encouraging private sector investment and avoiding any further squeeze on living standards.”
