LONDON (AP) -- A survey shows that the number of new cars registered in Britain was down on the year for a third straight month, sliding by 8.9 percent in September.
However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said Wednesday it believes demand for new cars has stabilized and sales will be slightly higher this year than in 2009. For the year to date, registrations are up 7.8 percent.
New car registrations were down 13.2 percent annually in July, ending a string of 12 monthly increases. Registrations in August were down 17.5 percent compared to a year earlier.
The Society said comparisons were skewed because of the impact of the government car scrappage program last year which offered discounts to buyers who traded in cars more than 10 years old.
However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said Wednesday it believes demand for new cars has stabilized and sales will be slightly higher this year than in 2009. For the year to date, registrations are up 7.8 percent.
New car registrations were down 13.2 percent annually in July, ending a string of 12 monthly increases. Registrations in August were down 17.5 percent compared to a year earlier.
The Society said comparisons were skewed because of the impact of the government car scrappage program last year which offered discounts to buyers who traded in cars more than 10 years old.
