The number of new diesel cars registered in the UK is continuing to climb according to new figures published by SMMT.

Statistics showed that the percentage of diesel cars as a proportion of the whole in the UK stood at 29.8 per cent in February, marking a significant rise from 25.8 per cent in February 2003.

Experts say the monthly rise in diesel registrations is expected to continue throughout 2004, with the rise in diesel penetration reaching 31 per cent by the end of 2004 and 33 per cent in 2005.

Encouragement was also drawn at a wider level from the growth in year-to-date registrations in the UK automotive sector, recording a rise of 5.2 cent from the 2003 figure.

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan commented: 'Strong growth in a traditionally small month has pushed the UK market forward once more. The road has been paved for a record March market of around 450,000 units, generating approximately £6 billion worth of business.'

In total, new car registrations in the UK reached a record 2,579,050 units in 2003, a small rise on the 2,563,631 units recorded in 2002.

However, some caution was advised, as experts noted that next month might be affected by changes to the DVLA's administrative systems.