New car registrations fell 17.5% in
August compared to the same period in 2009, ahead of the ’60’ plate
change and following the end of the government’s scrappage scheme
which incentivised the buying of new cars.

Figures from the Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show the second consecutive
month-by-month fall, a pattern which the organisation expects to
continue over the year.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive
said: “Conditions will remain challenging through the rest of the
year.  The industry enjoyed a better than expected first half
of the year, despite the difficulties.
 SMMT is forecasting that new car registrations will close
just ahead of the 2009 figures.”

Full year forecasts from SMMT suggest
that registrations this year will finish at 2m, up 1.2% on
2009.

Girish
Gupta