“Despite the overall decline in new passenger car registrations, it is encouraging to see that sales of diesel cars grew by 2.1% in January in Germany, the largest European new car market”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK.

In January, new car registrations fell -1.4% in Germany, however, sales of diesel cars rose by 2.1%, according to KBA, the Federal Motor Transport Authority. This increase gave diesel a 34.5% market share, up from the previous 33.3%.

VDIK, the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, said the increase was supported by ‘good demand from fleet customers’ and the fact that ‘EURO 6d-temp diesel passenger cars are now available throughout the country".

Robinson continued, “New Euro 6d-temp, WLTP compliant diesel cars still represent the most efficient cars for many motorists. It is positive to see that the wider availability of new diesels combined with a number of manufacturers’ incentives to trade-in older, polluting diesel cars have boosted sales in Germany.

“UK franchised retailers are making significant efforts to inform the public about the benefits of low emission cars but it is important to acknowledge that the latest generation diesel and petrol cars will continue to play a key role over the next years. NFDA has produced several documents to support retailers in explaining to their customers the differences between old and new, Euro 6d-temp diesel cars.

“NFDA welcomes the increase and hopes that the UK new car market will see a similar trend in the forthcoming months”.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

VDIK’s press release is available here: http://www.vdik.de/press/press-informations/current-press-information/article/vdik-slight-decline-in-new-passenger-car-registrations-in-january.html?L=238&cHash=3da714a4ce5524fb853dd96c5ec73f0b

Gabriele Severini, NFDA Communications & Marketing Officer

Tel: 0207 307 3423

Mob: 07880 039 897

Press Office direct line: 020 7307 3422

Press Office fax: 020 7307 3406

Web: www.nfda-uk.co.uk Email: gabriele.severini@rmif.co.uk