The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports British car sales

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports British car sales: March market disappoints – call for assistance grow

New car registrations fell 30.5% in March to 313,912 units

· Market in first three months of 2009 has fallen by over 200,000 units, or 29.7%

· Diesels and small cars see market share improve in March

· Recovery hopes pinned on Alistair Darling announcing market incentives in Budget

“March new car registrations are a barometer of confidence in the economy, from businesses and consumers alike. The fall in the market shows that government needs to do more to boost confidence,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “A scrappage scheme will provide the incentive needed and the evidence is clear that schemes already implemented across Europe do work to increase demand. The UK is the only major European market not to implement a scheme.”