The average carbon dioxide emissions of newly sold cars has risen for the first time since records began GARETH FULLER/PANew car sales could fall below pre- financial crisis levels this year, with the motor industry forecasting a decline of up to 7 per cent. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders will report today that, with sales of diesel engine cars falling off dramatically — 30 per cent down from a year ago — new car registrations for last year came in at 2.54 million, a 5.6 per cent fall since 2016. The faster fall than expected caused the society to revise downward its forecasts for this year and it expects new car sales to decrease at a rate of between 5 per cent and 7 per cent. The automotive industry is one of the economy’s key sectors. It employs more than 800,000 people,…

Source: The Times January 05, 2018 00:02 UTC