The British diesel market is going from strength to strength according to new figures released by the SMMT.

Diesel car sales rose for the 58th consecutive month, contrasting to a wider downward trend in the market.

In total July saw the car market fall by 6.6 per cent, but diesel registrations defied the movement rising by 1.5 per cent.

Diesel penetration now stands at more than third of the market – 34.9 per cent – for the year so far, improving on last year's share of 31.3 per cent.

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan acknowledged a difficult period for the industry but said he expected demand to stabilise over the coming year.

"The record volumes of the last few years are well behind us. Consumers and manufacturers alike are feeling vulnerable and we don't see any respite in the short to medium term," he commented.

Diesel cars typically use platinum in the catalytic reactions that curb emissions.


Ÿ DeHavilland Information Services plc