The UK new car market fell by 3% year-on-year in November, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The fleet sector performed relatively strongly, with registrations down by 0.7%, compared with a 6.4% fall in private registrations.
Business sales, to firms with fewer than 25 vehicles, were up by 8.6%, though these only make up a small fraction of the market.
In terms of fuel mix, diesel’s decline continued with registrations down by 16.7%.
Petrol registrations were up by 3.5%, while alternatively fuelled vehicle registrations rose by 24.6%.
For the year to date, the overall market is down 6.9% compared with the same period in 2017, including a 7.3% fall for the fleet sector.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Model and regulatory changes combined with falling consumer confidence conspired to affect supply and demand in November.
“The good news is that, as supply constraints ease, and new exciting models come on sale in the months ahead, buyers can look forward to a wide choice of cutting-edge petrol, diesel and electrified cars.
“It’s now critical that a Brexit deal is secured to boost consumer confidence and provide a stimulus to the new car market as we enter the new year.”
