CAR buyers shrugged off rocketing fuel prices and the credit crunch by purchasing an increased number of new motors in April, it has been revealed.
With consumers opting for fuel-economic diesel-powered vehicles as well as small cars, new car sales totalled 175,668 in April 2008 - a 3.2% rise on the April 2007 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.
Diesels took a record 45.4% share of the market last month and total vehicle sales for the year so far - at 859,017 - are just about level with the January-April 2007 figure.
SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said today: "With fuel prices sky-high, consumers are looking for efficient motoring they can afford.
"The latest registration figures show diesel-powered vehicles have hit their highest monthly market share on record, alongside a stronger focus on super-efficient small cars."
He went on: "The motor industry has invested in a wide variety of new technologies and exciting designs to ensure motorists have a wide choice and can continue to maintain their mobility, save money and reduce their carbon footprint."
The Ford Focus was the top-selling model in April 2008 and also outsold the Volkswagen Golf to become the best-selling diesel car.
However, Ford was knocked off its best-manufacturer spot by Vauxhall which had the biggest share of the market last month - 15.08% to Ford's 14.51%. Vauxhall also had four models in the top 10 best-selling list.
The best-selling models in April 2008 were:
1. Ford Focus
2. Vauxhall Corsa
3. Vauxhall Astra
4. Ford Fiesta
5. Volkswagen Golf
6. Peugeot 207
7. Vauxhall Vectra
8. Vauxhall Zafira
9. Renault Clio
10.Ford Mondeo
