New car sales fall again as UK demand for diesel vehicles dives

Hybrid and electric models reach 10% market share, while diesel cars account for 23.6%

Sales of new cars in the UK continued to fall last month as demand for diesel vehicles declined sharply, while hybrid and electric vehicles reached a new record market share.

Weak business and consumer confidence, economic uncertainty and confusion over diesel and clean air zones dragged down demand for new cars, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the industry body.