New car sales in Britain fell 24% year on year last month and were off 28.5% year to date, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data showed on Thursday.

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The SMMT hopes a government/automaker car scrapping scheme due to take effect soon will boost sales in the rest of the year.


The scheme will allow UK buyers to trade vehicles 10 years and older for a GBP2,000 reduction on a new model. Dealers are expected to contribute half of the cost though final details have not yet been announced.


“Today records the 11th successive fall in new car registrations,” SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said in a statement.


“Despite the tough conditions, industry is hopeful that its prospects will improve in the coming months and the steps it has taken will provide the basis for a sustained recovery once growth returns.”

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