A total of 7.9 million used car sales were completed in 2018 as the sector experienced a 2.1% decline in volumes, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has reported.
Used car sales in the UK reached near record highs in the period July to September.
One in five drivers are ready to make the switch to electric cars, according to an AA poll.
The 2016 Renault Zoe (electric automatic) was on average the UK’s fastest selling used vehicle in July.
The used car market will shrink by 3.7% to 7.86 million sales during 2018, according to a forecast published by Cox Automotive.
Manufacturer support for new car offers ahead of the September introduction of WLTP and RDE tests generated a 1.2% rise in July registrations.
A reduction in the number of older used cars being bought from dealerships across the UK has been blamed for a 4.8% decline in sales during Q1 of 2018.
The SMMT has increased its forecasted 2018 new car registrations decline from 5.4% to 5.7% in its latest prediction of how the market's performance between now and the end of 2019.
Diesel sales are set to plunge further as a result of environmental pressures and consumer confusion automotive expert Professor David Bailey has warned.
Used car prices registered their first month-on-month decline in eight months during November as diesel cars declined by an average of £143 month-on-month and petrol cars generated a £55 rise, according to market data issued by Auto Trader.
The UK’s used car market declined for a second consecutive three-month period in quarter three of 2017. But diesels remained popular, with sales rising 4.2%.
The average price of a used car increased 6% year-on-year in October, according to data published by Auto Trader.
New car registrations are predicted to fall to 2.565 million units this year – a 4.7% drop on the record figure of 2.693m sales last year.
AM survey reveals UK motor retailers’ concerns over falling diesel volumes, waning customer interest and confusion over the Government’s clean air policy
Used car transactions fell 13.5% in Q2 2017 to realise a year-to-date sales decline of 5.1% following record breaking 2016.
The average selling price of diesel cars in May remained stable year-on-year, according to Dealer Auction.
