NEW car sales fell again last month and are now down nearly 10% for the year so far, it was announced.
A total of 75,996 new cars were registered in February 2006 - 1.4% fewer than in February 2005, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.
The latest figures mean the January and February 2006 new car total was 9.7% down on the total for the first two months of 2005.
SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: "So far this year the market has suffered from two things - firstly a surge in demand for diesel cars distorting the market at the end of 2005 and secondly weaker consumer confidence.
"However, we believe March will present a more accurate barometer of performance for the year.
"While times are still tough, the number plate change is shifting the car market spike from September to March.
Competitive deals like 0% finance and free insurance should also help drive customers to showrooms throughout March."
Private buyers represented just 34.9% of the total market in February 2006 and the industry is hoping consumers will be attracted to the new number- plated cars now on sale.
The SMMT believes March sales this year could reach 450,000.
Supermini sales were down 2.4% last month while multi purpose vehicles (MPVs) showed the biggest rise - up 4.9%.
The Ford Focus was once again the top-selling model last month.
