Fewer new cars sold in January

Demand for new cars fell by 7.3% last month, the automotive industry has said.

Some 11,700 fewer cars new were registered in January than during the same month in 2019, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The trade association blamed confusion over diesel and clean air zones, and weak consumer and business confidence.

The decline was driven by a 13.9% drop in demand from private consumers.