More Shrinkage for U.K. Car Market

New-car registrations in the U.K. declined 2% to 161,000 last month, continuing a downward trend that began last September, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Sales to private buyers in January climbed 3% to 71,400 units. Deliveries to fleets fell 3% to 89,600 vehicles.

Demand for diesels continued to evaporate, plunging 20% to 46,800 units. Diesels account for 29% of the British market this year compared with 36% in the same month last year, according to SMMT.