New car sales fall again in September

Sales of new cars fell in the vital month of September. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said 332,476 new vehicles were registered last month – 0.8 per cent fewer than in September last year.

It said it was on track to meet its forecast of 1.92 million registrations this year, down 5.3 per cent on the year. But it revised down its 2012 forecast to 1.96 million units, blaming continued weakness in domestic demand and economic uncertainty in Europe.

Fleet sales supported the market but demand from private buyers fell 9.3 per cent on the year.