Diesel slide continues as UK car sales fall for 11th month running

Number of new cars registered in February falls by 2.8% despite rises in petrol and electric sales

Slumping demand for diesel vehicles dragged down new car sales in February, marking the 11th consecutive month of declines for Britain's new car market.

The number of new cars registered dropped 2.8% compared to the same month a year ago to 80,805, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the industry trade body. The rate of decline has slowed from the double-digit drops seen at the end of last year.