The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has announced a huge rise in sales of diesel vehicles last year.
Diesel purchases increased from 10 per cent of all UK car sales in the year 2000 to a massive 40 per cent in 2007.
New car sales in general have also rocketed – a 2.5 per cent rise taking the total to 2.4 million units – with the SMMT report pointing to sales in the 2007 final quarter that were the strongest since 2004.
The Ford Focus continues to be the bestseller for 2007, selling 126,928 units. This was closely followed by the Vauxhall Astra at 113,894 units, the Vauxhall Corsa at 94,120, and the VW Golf at 68,843.
“Last year, demand for new cars was stronger than many had predicted,” explained SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt. “There is little sign that the US credit crisis or rising fuel prices have affected demand and we foresee only limited changes through 2008.”
“The UK economy currently remains resilient and the new car market is ultra-competitive,” he added.
