MOTORISTS in the UK have confirmed their title as the second biggest consumer of new cars in Europe with 2,256,269 units in 2004.
But the first full month of 2005 has seen an 8.2 per cent dip in the number of new registrations of petrol vehicles, the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders have revealed.
There were 181, 474 petrol units registered last month compared to 66,455 diesel registrations an increase of 7.7 per cent.
Commenting on the figures, SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: "The new car market is a key ecnomic indicator and January's figures reflect consumer confidence.
"While this month's figures are below the strong start made in 2004, new car registrations continue to demonstrate a healthy level of demand."
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