London - British new car registrations
slumped by 20 percent in April, the biggest year-on-year drop
for over six years after record demand in March when customers
brought forward purchases to avoid a tax hike, an industry body
said on Thursday.
Sales fell 19.8 percent to 152 076 vehicles last month,
traditionally a period when fewer vehicles are sold after a new
licence plate series is issued in March, the Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders said.
Demand in March was boosted to a record high as individuals
and businesses in Europe's second biggest autos market sought to
avoid paying an increase in excise duty that came into force
from April 1 for the most polluting vehicles.
Year-to-date registrations are up 1.1 percent, despite
forecasts that demand would fall by at least 5 percent this year
due to Brexit and after consecutive record performances.
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The SMMT said it expected demand to stabilise over the rest
of the year.