Sales of new cars dropped 8.5% in May 2017 compared to May 2016, with buyers mindful in the run-up to the general election, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has stated.
The SMMT stated 186,265 brand-new cars were registered during last month.
Sales of alternatively fueled automobiles rebounded after dropped in April. And now have a record 4.4% market share.
Over 1.1 million new cars have been registered this year to this day, drop of 0.6% on 2016.
“Although demand has fallen, it’s essential to bear in mind that the market remains at an extremely high level and with a rate of new models loaded with the latest low-emission and connected technology pertaining to market this summer, we anticipate the market to stay strong for many years,” stated the SMMT CEO Mike Hawes.
Car sales in both months, April and May, have suffered following a record 562,337 new automobiles were registered in March, as purchasers rushed to beat an increase in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) that entered into force on 1 April.
“We anticipated demand in the new car market to be unfavorable in May because of the pull-forward to March,” Hawes stated.
“Added to this, the general election was always most likely to provide many pause for thought and impact buying patterns in the short term.”
Over a half of all cars sold in last month – 96,518 – were petrol-driven, somewhat increased compared to May 2016.
Diesel represented 81,489 sales, 20% less than a year previously. Additionally fueled automobiles increased 46.7% to 8,258.
Since March 1, this year, people are able to personalize their number plate through DLVA car registration facility online. DVLA website can help buyers where they type in their desired number plate and the search will show them a number of results based on that varying in price.
