Diesel and alternative fuel cars took a record share of the new car market in the UK during November, helping to drive the overall fuel economy of the average new car to new highs of 52.5mpg.
Although the overall market declined 4.2 per cent last month, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports that the market’s performance was still 5,000 vehicles above its forecast. Releasing the official market data, the society reveals that alternative fuel cars, including hybrid models, accounted for 1.6 per cent of new car sales in the UK during November, compared to 1.3 per cent in the same month of the previous year. Year to date figures also show that alternative fuel cars have so far accounted for 1.3 per cent of all new cars registered in the UK compared to 1.1 per cent in 2010.
Likewise the strong fuel economy of diesel models helped drive more sales of the oil burners, taking a record share of 55.6 per cent of the November market, compared to 53 per cent in November 2010. Year to date figures show that diesel cars are accounting for 50.5 per cent of all car sales, compared to 45.8 per cent during the same period of the previous year.
Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive said: “Despite the Chancellor delaying the 3p rise in fuel duty, our cost of fuel is still among the highest in Europe, so customers are sure to welcome the 29.3 per cent improvement in new car fuel efficiency over the last 10 years, a demonstration of industry’s commitment to delivering good value to motorists.”
Average new car fuel efficiency has now improved 29.3 per cent in last 10 years, to reach a new high last month. Although the economy of cars is improving, the car industry as a whole is struggling with suppressed market demand which is down 4.5 per cent overall the eleven months of 2011, to 1,822,065 vehicles.
The Ford Fiesta was the best selling model in both November and over the year-to-date.
