UK new car sales set a record in April 2002, climbing 16.1% to 208,976 units. This was almost 18,000 units higher than the previous record of 191,276 in 1989, according to figures compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Diesel new car registrations soared 60.5% in April to 48,537 units as new tax scales calculated on CO2 output came into effect with the start of the new tax year on the 6th.
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Diesel’s market share hit 23.2% compared to 16.8% in April 2001, reflecting the growing popularity of company car tax beating diesel models.
The SMMT has revised its full year forecast upwards by 50,000 to 2.4 million units following an excellent start to the year.
“However, the threat of interest rate rises and a cooling of consumer spending could see demand ease later in the year,” the SMMT said.
“Diesel demand looks to set to rise to 25% of the market, well over half a million units in 2002. But Britain still has some way to go to hit the 35% share taken in Europe, where fuel duty rates favour diesel powered vehicles.”
