New car sales fall for the first time in six years

Uncertainty over diesels pushes buyers towards petrol and hybrids

New cars awaiting delivery
(Image credit: Carl Court/Getty Images)

New car registrations have dropped for the first time in six years following a sharp decline in diesel vehicle sales.

Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) reveal there were 2.5 million new cars registered last year, the lowest number of vehicle sales since 2011.

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