New car registrations fell 11.5% in November

New car registrations fell by 11.5% in November to 139,875 units, performing ahead of forecast, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

New car market remains 3.4% up over the first 11 months of the year at 1,907,029 units.

The year is set to end up on the 2009 outturn by around 2% at over 2.03 million units.

Recovery in fleet volumes, up 10.7% over the year to date, supporting overall market.

The market was up 14.0% compared with last November’s market less scrappage volumes.

Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “New car registrations fell by less than expected in November with demand from the fleet sector helping to offset the market rebalancing following the end of the Scrappage Incentive Scheme.

“Registrations are expected to fall next month, but demand may benefit from motorists looking to avoid the January VAT rise. This factor, coupled with the strength of the first half of 2010, means year-end volumes are expected to lift to over 2.03 million units, 2% up from last year. Next year will continue to be challenging as consumer spending tightens and government’s austerity measures take effect.”