New car registrations fell 17.5% in August

New car registrations fell 17.5% in August to 55,305 units compared with scrappage-fuelled 2009, according to the Society of Motor The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Decline marks second consecutive fall, a pattern expected to continue through to year end.

Volumes, however, are up 13.2% to date against last year, at 1,300,413 units.

Full year forecast suggests 2010 registrations will finish at 2m, up 1.2% on 2009.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said “New car registrations were down 17.5% in August and conditions will remain challenging through the rest of the year.

“The industry enjoyed a better than expected first half of the year and, despite the difficulties, SMMT is forecasting that new car registrations will close just ahead of 2009 figures.”