Car sales hit a pothole after Brexit vote

Car sales ran out of fuel last month as Britain’s decision to leave the European Union threw some tacks in the road for the industry, data revealed today.

New car registrations were up by just 0.1% to 178,523 in July, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders.

Chief executive Mike Hawes said: “After a healthy start to 2016 and record registrations in 2015, the market is showing signs of cooling.”

He called on Chancellor Philip Hammond to shore up the economy and reassure households.

“The automotive market is a vital part of the British economy and it’s important government delivers the economic conditions which instil business and consumer confidence.”