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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has confirmed that the new car market saw its fifth consecutive month of decline in August with registrations down by 6.4% against August 2016.

Despite the decline, the 76,000 new cars registered, constitute the third biggest August in 10 years. Year to date registrations are down 2.4%, at 1,640,241 units.58.3% of registrations in August were in the Superminis and small family cars segment. SUVs, larger family cars and executives were the only segments to grow, up 7.9%, 2.2% and 1.1% respectively.

Alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) accounted for a 5.2% share of the market, with petrol hybrid and pure electric battery powered cars up 74.9% and 62.5% respectively, while plug-in hybrid registrations were up 38.5%. Diesel registrations were down 21.3%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, commented, “August is typically a quiet month for the new car market as consumers and businesses delay purchases until the arrival of the new number plate in September. With the new 67-plate now available and a range of new models in showrooms, we anticipate the continuation of what are historically high levels of demand.”

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