New car sales drop 13 %

Thu 7 Aug 2008 at 4:18 PM

New car sales have fallen by 13 per cent, the largest drop for two years.

Alternative fuel cars, however, are charging ahead in terms of sales - 19 per cent more were sold in July, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has found.

Its chief executive Paul Everitt said the overall fall "reflects the continued deterioration in consumer confidence being experienced across the economy".

"Rising fuel and household bills, alongside falling house prices are making consumers reluctant to commit to new expenditure."

Worst hit were luxury brands, such as Aston Martin (-44 per cent) and Bentley (-46 per cent).

Mark Thompson from Landrover said: "Across Europe and the US it's true that the premium automotive market in which we compete has been the most badly hit," Exec Digital UK has reported.

The luxury 4x4 manufacturer did have some cause for celebration – it reported sales in Russia jumped 83 per cent.

Motor manufacturers recruit for a range of industrial jobs, which are supported by administrators, managers and secretaries.


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