UK new car sales fell 9% in July as supply chain problems continue

Fifth monthly fall in row prompts industry body to cut 2022 forecast even though chip shortages expected to ease

Sales of new cars in the UK fell by nearly a 10th in July because of supply chain problems, forcing the industry body to cut its full-year forecast even though it expects chip shortages to ease in the coming months.

New car registrations in July fell 9% from a year earlier to 112,162 vehicles, as shortages continued to hamper carmakers' ability to fulfil orders, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Sales fell for the fifth month in a row, although the decrease was the smallest recorded this year.