5 March 2009
There were fewer car sales in February this year than 12 months earlier, new findings show. Compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the figures show a 22% decrease in sales over the course of a year. "It is imperative that the UK government increases the pace in responding to industry proposals for a scrappage scheme, and access to finance and credit," comments SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt. The news comes as Sainsbury's Bank also predicts a further decline in car sales, suggesting the number of purchases has reached a four-year low. It suggests 6.33 million people intend to buy a car between March and August 2009, marking a decrease of half a million on the previous six months. Those who are thinking of buying a new car are reminded to get car insurance, with uSwitch.com able to find the best prices online.