Tesla Model S – why its diesel–powered rivals should be very afraid: motorists are moving away from diesel cars and opting for alternatively fuelled cars such as electric or hybrid, suggests new research
New car registrations in the UK achieved a 12-year high in January with 174,564 cars being registered – a 2.9 per cent increase on January 2016.
Figures collected by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and traders show that diesel car sales were down by 4.3 per cent in January.
The reason for the dip in interest for car buyers purchasing diesel cars could be due to the recent emissions scandals that have embroiled companies such as Volkswagen.
The government is now planning a diesel scrappage scheme to encourage motorists to ditch cars that are heavy polluters.
In total there were 78,778 diesel cars registered in January.
It is good news for electric car companies however as the alternatively fuelled vehicle segment grew 19.9 per cent to take a record 4.2 per cent market share.
Tesla Model S is one of the cars spearheading the electric car boom (Image: T. Larkum)
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular as car companies are looking to vehicles powered by alternative and sustainable fuel sources.
Figures show that 7,270 AFVs including hybrids, were sold in January.
Read more: Express