New car registrations down 3.7% in December

January 6, 2012 By MTI

December 2011 new car registration figures: New car registrations were down 3.7% in December according to the latest figures released today by the SMMT.

119,188 cars were registered in the month, with the market 3.7% or 4,629 units down on December 2010 (which let’s not forget was down 18% on December 2009) and down 4.4% over the year.

“2011 proved to be a challenging year for the UK motor industry. Total new car registrations were slightly ahead of industry expectations at 1.94 million units, still down 4.4% on 2010,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “Weak economic growth will make trading conditions tough in 2012, but record numbers of new and updated models, significantly improved fuel efficiency and exciting new technologies will help to encourage consumers into showrooms. Business and consumer confidence will be the key to a successful year, so it will be important that government delivers on its growth strategy and helps to resolve instability in the Euro Zone.”