Diesel cars are enjoying an increasing share of the UK market, according to recent figures.

A report by the Society of Motor Manufacturing Traders (SMMT) has revealed that diesels accounted for 38 per cent of UK sales in February, up half a per cent from a year ago.

However, overall car sales were down in February by 1.4 per cent to 76,000 units, which SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan blames on the December scramble for diesels, following the end of beneficial company car tax rates.

Despite this slump, diesel sales for February were only down 79 units to 28,859.

Expectations are high throughout the industry that March will see firms recoup their losses as new registrations come out following the traditionally slow February.

"So far this year the market has suffered from two things; firstly a surge in demand for diesel cars distorting the market at the end of 2005 and secondly weaker consumer confidence," Mr Macgowan said.

The Ford Focus remains the top selling car in the UK.


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