Diesel's decline continues as new car sales in the UK fall in November

The new car market registered a modest decline in November as sales of new diesels continued to suffer, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Diesel vehicles now make up less than a third of the new car market at 31.8 percent year-to-date, with November's figures down 16.7 percent on the same period last year. A 3.5 percent increase in petrol car sales and a substantial 24.6 percent rise in that of alternative fuel vehicles failed to offset diesel's decline. 

A total of 158,639 cars were registered last month, down 3 percent on the same period last year. The figures are described by the SMMT as "in line with industry expectations given current challenging conditions".

Chairman Mike Hawes said: “Model and regulatory changes, combined with falling consumer confidence, conspired to affect supply and demand in November. The good news is that, as supply constraints ease, and new exciting models come on sale in the months ahead, buyers can look forward to a wide choice of cutting-edge petrol, diesel and electrified cars."

Hawes went on to reiterate the importance of Theresa May's government securing a Brexit deal to stimulate growth in the market as we move into 2019. 

Ford again topped the car model charts in November with 5,193 Fiestas registered, while the Volkswagen Golf took second place with 4,678 examples registered for use on Britain's roads. The above chart shows the top ten in November and this year to date.