Despite a July sales dip of 4.6%, new car registrations are up 1.3% for the year to date to 1,564,199 units, with diesel registrations matching the highest ever monthly level with 32.5% of the total market.

Commenting on the new car registrations data, SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan says: “With increasing availability across all vehicle types, diesels are driving forward in 2004. Rising fuel prices, advanced diesel technology and lower CO2 emissions make diesels attractive to consumers.

“The SMMT has increased its forecast for the diesel market share to 33% this year and 36% in 2005.

“Total new car registrations remain up over the year-to-date due to a fiercely competitive market and some excellent new models. Record registrations in July 2003 set a challenging target for this month, but we expect consumers to remain confident and deliver another strong year for new car registrations.”

  Diesel registrations 2000-2005