New car sales dip for November (UK)

British new car sales have dropped 4.2% year-on-year, but the drop in sales are not as bad as first feared.

In November, 134,027 passenger cars were registered, with the yearly total standing at 1,822,065 units, which is expected to exceed the current anticipation of 1,923,000 units.

Last month saw 55.6% of diesel cars getting registered, the highest ever, with alternative fuelled vehicle nabbing 1.6% of the market. Combined fuel economy now stands at 52.5mpg, representing a 29.3% increase over the last ten years.

Sales of dual-purpose vehicles (SUVs, crossovers, MPVs) rose 18.5% as Winter starts to settle in. Mercedes reported sales increases of the R-Class, GL-Class, and M-Class models.

The SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) has noted that consumer incentives and demand from the fleet market has helped sales stabilise.

The best-selling car in November was the Ford Fiesta, with the Fiesta continuing to reign as the best-selling car this year.