New car registrations for October were up slightly to 153,851, a 0.9% rise over the same period a year ago.

However, the year to date total was down by 3.2% to 2,055,739 units, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Diesel registrations were up yet again by 5.4% to 64,128 units.

“Environmental issues are high on everyone's agenda, be it car makers or car buyers. SMMT's recently published Sustainability Report clearly shows that the motor industry is taking its environmental responsibilities seriously,” said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan.

“October showed the highest diesel penetration this year, taking 41.7 per cent of new car registrations this month. Fuel efficiency and increased environmental awareness are now high on customers' priorities when considering these significant purchases,” Macgowan added.

Sue Robinson, director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), said: "While the retail motor industry is pleased to see a rise in October new car registrations this week's widely anticipated interest rates rise to 5% will cause concern for car dealers. "If rates rise, as predicted, this will undoubtedly have an impact on consumer spending, as people take stock to meet important financial commitments such as mortgages and rising utility bills." The SMMT seventh annual Sustainability Report shows that from 2001–2005:

  • Average energy use per vehicle cut from 6.2 to 3.2 MWh / vehicle
  • Corresponding CO2 figure per vehicle down to 0.6 tonnes, from 1.3 tonnes
  • Waste to landfill per vehicle slashed 78 per cent, from 66.4 kg to 14.5 kg
  • Water use almost halved from 6.2 m3 to 3.2 m3

    The full report can be viewed on the SMMT's website www.smmt.co.uk.

    Click here to download the latest figures from the SMMT in Excel format.