News releasesStatementsPotholes & roadsRoad safetyService, maintenance & repairRAC newsFuel pricesElectric vehiclesAdverse weatherChancellor's BudgetsCivil enforcementConnected & autonomous vehiclesCrimeDriving in EuropeHeadlight glareInsuranceLearning 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
RAC named as one of UK’s Best Employers by Financial Times
The RAC has today been named one of the UK’s Best Employers by the Financial Times.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
More than 2,500 motorists caught drink-driving three or more times in the last 11 years
RAC analysis uncovers scale of repeat drink‑driving as more than 220,000 drivers hold alcohol‑related convictions
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
RAC renews partnership with Mercedes-Benz Cars UK to 2028
The RAC has renewed its roadside assistance contract with Mercedes-Benz Cars UK. Through to 2028, the RAC will continue to operate a network of Mercedes-Benz branded mobile technicians, all equipped with specialist Mercedes-Benz diagnostic equipment, to support Mercedes-Benz customers wherever they are in the UK, whenever they require assistance.
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 British driving services brand and has been championing drivers since 1897. Today it is one of the UK’s most trusted names, providing complete peace of mind ® to over 15 million drivers across breakdown cover, insurance, and mobile servicing and repairs.

Its nationwide patrol force attends more than two million breakdowns every year, while its position as the UK’s leading independent insurance broker helps motorists find the right cover with confidence. The RAC has also reshaped the service, maintenance and repair market with its Mobile Mechanics, who carry out servicing and repairs at drivers’ homes or workplaces.

Committed to innovation, the RAC is fully electric ready with mobile EV charging technology for stranded drivers, and a suite of digital and data‑led solutions that make motoring easier and more affordable for consumers and fleets. These services come together in myRAC – the all‑in‑one app for vehicle maintenance, cheaper fuel finding and breakdown assistance.

Contact

media.rac.co.uk