UK Car Sales in March Plunge 30.5 Percent

New car registrations in the U.K. fell 30.5 percent in March compared to the same month last year to 313,912 units, as the recession crippled demand. The overall drop in car sales from the beginning of the year (January to March) is 29.7 percent or 200,000 less vehicles than the same period in 2008. In a statement issued today, the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) said that the government needs to take more actions to help the sector.

"March new car registrations are a barometer of confidence in the economy, from businesses and consumers alike," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "The fall in the market shows that government needs to do more to boost confidence. A scrappage scheme will provide the incentive needed and the evidence is clear that schemes already implemented across Europe do work to increase demand. The UK is the only major European market not to implement a scheme."

Ford topped the sales chart in March with 52,289 units followed by GM's Vauxhall (40,000 units), VW (24,440 units), Peugeot (17,412) and Audi (16,250 units). The Ford Fiesta was the UK's best selling model for a fifth successive month in March with 20,654 units. It was followed by the Vauxhall Corsa (14,993 units), Ford Focus (13,942 units), Vauxhall Astra (8,713 units) and VW Golf (8,024).

MARQUE	Sales March 2009	Sales March 2008	Change %
Total	313,912	451,642	(30.50)
Ford	52,289	67,676	(22.74)
Vauxhall	40,000	57,008	(29.83)
Volkswagen	24,440	32,285	(24.30)
Peugeot	17,412	25,545	(31.84)
Audi	16,250	18,094	(10.19)
BMW	15,654	22,755	(31.21)
Toyota	15,624	22,760	(31.35)
Honda	13,005	21,862	(40.51)
Mercedes-Benz	12,231	16,179	(24.40)
Citroen	10,755	16,805	(36.00)
Renault	10,227	21,769	(53.02)
Nissan	8,788	16,673	(47.29)
Fiat	8,001	11,908	(32.81)
Mazda	7,734	10,355	(25.31)
Kia	6,346	6,496	(2.31)
Hyundai	6,218	6,503	(4.38)
Land Rover	6,027	9,576	(37.06)
MINI	5,976	8,858	(32.54)