UK's petrol car sales race ahead

UK sales of new diesel cars fell 30 per cent in the first six months of this year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

Between January and June this year, diesel sales totalled 428,612 - a huge decrease in sales compared to 613,985 in the same period a year earlier. 

Petrol sales jumped 11 per cent to 812,535, increasing petrol’s market share to 61.8 per cent, compared to 52 per cent a year earlier.

Total UK car sales over the six months fell 6.3 per cent to 1.3m, as the market declined following years of strong growth.

Hybrid and electric cars were increasingly in demand, with sales over the six months up 24 per cent to 72,847 up from 58,658.

 “Despite a rocky first six months for the new car market, it’s great to see demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles continue to rise,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.

“Given these cars still represent only one in 20 registrations, however, they cannot yet have the impact in driving down overall emissions that conventional vehicles, including diesels, continue to deliver. 

“Recent government statements acknowledging the importance of petrol and diesel are encouraging. 

“However, we now need a strategy that supports industry investment into next-generation technologies and puts motorists back in the driving seat, encouraged to buy the car that best suits their needs — whatever its fuel type.”