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Diesel registrations jumped a further 10 per cent in the UK
By Yoann Besnard on 8 February 2008 | 
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If January sales for the British market fell by 2.1%, diesel registration increased by 10% over the same period last year, bringing the oil burner market share to 44.9%. This is the second highest-ever share.
One can explain such a result by the economic turnaround which changes consumer behaviour. Instead of looking for power, “Fuel efficiency is a high priority for customers” said Paul Everitt, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) chief executive.
New car registrations got off to a slow start in 2008, falling by 2.1 per cent or 3,506 units. Dual purpose (4x4), executive, mini and MPV segments all posted growth in January, up 7.6, 14.3, 16.4, and 20.8 per cent respectively. Alternatively fuelled vehicles registrations were up 14.4 per cent to 1,280 units for the month. Lower medium vehicles saw the largest volume increase of 1,860 units or 3.7 per cent.
Total registrations are expected to soften in 2008, but high fuel costs will see fuel efficiency a key consideration for new car buyers. This, and action on CO2 emissions, should mean that diesels' market share will grow further.
January is traditionally a good month for fleet sales, and the segment was up 0.2 per cent compared to January 2007, and took the largest share of the market at 56.1 per cent. Private and business registrations start 2008 on a slightly weaker note, down 5.3 and 3.1 per cent respectively. The fall in private sales is one of the main contributors to the dip in January's total.
The top 10 accounts for a third of January's sales with the Ford Focus setting a firm hold on the top slot and confirming its nine year run at the top. Ford and Vauxhall remain the UK's top selling marques, while Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Nissan all recorded significant growth. VW's Golf was the best selling diesel, just ahead the Ford Focus
