(Mon 06 Oct 08)

For the first time since the beginning of the century, a car other than the Ford Focus has been the most-registered in the UK for two consecutive months. That honour goes to the Vauxhall Corsa, which headed the table in August and September. Second place in September went to the Ford Fiesta (a remarkable performance for a car which is about to be replaced) while the Focus fell to fourth behind the Vauxhall Astra.

The fact that two superminis were at the top of the list last month is a small sign of a very significant change. Large cars are being registered in far smaller numbers than before, and in fact the only segment registering growth is that for city cars.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which publishes these figures, is calling for a political rethink to reverse the trend. "New car registrations have fallen for the fifth consecutive month and represent the most difficult economic conditions the industry has faced in 17 years," says Chief Executive Paul Everitt. "Government action is now needed to restore consumer confidence and boost demand in the real economy. The chancellor's pre-budget report should set out a package of measures to boost demand for new fuel-efficient cars and scrap plans for unfair increases in car tax."

Another point to note is that these figures refer to car registrations, not sales. It is not impossible that some manufacturers are making themselves look good by registering cars in large numbers even though they are being bought in small numbers. If this is true, it can't go on for ever, and perhaps a more ominous picture may emerge in the months to come.

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