Diesel and alternatively fuelled car sales took record shares of the market throughout 2011, new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show.

New registrations fell in demand over the 12 months to the end of December, down 4.4 per cent over the year, but ahead of the 1.92 million forecast.

However, analysts expect the market to stabilise in 2012, despite the significant dip in Q4 when sales fell by 1.8 per cent against the previous three months.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: "Weak economic growth will make trading conditions tough in 2012, but record numbers of new and updated models, significantly improved fuel efficiency and exciting new technologies will help to encourage consumers into showrooms."

He added that business and consumer confidence will be key to a successful 2012.

The strength of the diesel and alternatively fuelled car markets resulted in average new car CO2 emissions dropped to a new low of 138.1g/km in 2011, down 4.2 per cent.

Sources:

U.K.: Sales of diesel cars beat petrol for the first time in 'challenging' 2011 (06/01/12)

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