New car registrations fell last month by 21.2% to 330,295 units.

As a result of the dismal sales performance, the industry body representing carmakers and sellers - the SMMT - said that these are the most testing economic conditions its members have faced in almost two decades.

The year-to-date figures for new cars sales are now down by 7.5% to just 1,794,419 units. 

“New car registrations have fallen for the fifth consecutive month and represent the most difficult economic conditions the industry has faced in 17 years,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.

“Government action is now needed to restore consumer confidence and boost demand in the real economy.

"The chancellor's pre-budget report should set out a package of measures to boost demand for new fuel-efficient cars and scrap plans for unfair increases in car tax.”

The impact of the worsening economic downturn on the fleet sector will be discussed at the FN50 conference.

For further details on this vital conference go to www.fn50event.co.uk