News releasesStatementsPotholes & roadsRoad safetyService, maintenance & repairRAC newsFuel pricesElectric vehiclesAdverse weatherChancellor's BudgetsCivil enforcementConnected & autonomous vehiclesCrimeDriving in EuropeInsuranceLearning to driveParkingReport on MotoringTaxationTraffic predictions
Statements

RAC comments on new car sales figures out this morning

Reacting to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders that show the new car market in the UK is in decline, RACCars.co.uk spokesman Rod Dennis said:

"From an air quality perspective, these latest figures are a mixed bag. There is encouraging growth in the alternatively-fuelled vehicles sector but this still represents a fraction of overall sales.

"The decline in new diesel sales however is stark - while the modest growth in petrol sales shows that some owners may be moving from diesel to petrol, it could also be evidence that diesel drivers are choosing to hold on to their current vehicles for longer when faced with uncertainty over future diesel taxes and charges.

"We believe drivers need to be offered more incentives to switch into alternatively-fuelled vehicles to encourage swifter uptake of the very cleanest vehicles available."

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Pavement parking reaction: New local powers to keep pavements clear for those who rely on them most
Following the Government giving local councils new powers to take action against obstructive pavement parking, RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: "Our research shows a clear majority of drivers agree that no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road because of someone else’s inconsiderate parking.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Amber warnings issued for Storm Goretti - RAC comment
Following Amber warnings for snow and strong wind issued by the Met Office this week, RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “These relatively rare amber weather warnings for snow must be heeded by drivers. They're clear signs that disruption is likely across a large swathe of Wales and central England, and possible over a much greater area of the UK. People may want to consider avoiding driving overnight from Thursday into Friday or bringing journeys forward to avoid being stuck in the worst weather.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Thousands of lives to be saved under bold new Road Safety Strategy - RAC reaction
Government announces its first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade, with a plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to 15 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app. 

Contact

media.rac.co.uk