Car Sales Dropping

VW saw a steep drop in sales amid the emissions scandal.

17:50 06 November 2015

Sales of new VW cars dropped by almost 10per cent in the UK last month amid the company’s emissions scandal.

 

However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that the industry as a whole witnessed a slowdown in October, with sales of new cars dropping by 1.1per cent.

 

SMMT said that the slowdown was expected following  a prolonged period of unprecedented sales.

 

Based on recent figures, VW sales dropped by 9.8per cent year-on-year in October while Vauxhall’s sales were 16per cent down on the same month last year.

 

However, Porsche sales increased by 20per cent on the same period.

 

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “The UK car market has gone through a period of unprecedented growth and, so far, 2015 has been a bumper year with the strongest performance since the recession.

 

"As expected, demand has now begun to level off but the sector is in a strong position, as low interest rates, consumer confidence and exciting new products combine to attract new car buyers."