New car registrations in the UK fell in November by almost 37% on the previous year, to 100,333 vehicles - the biggest monthly drop since June 1980.

The figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also showed fleet sales were down by 29.6% from 84,789 to 59,721, while business sales had dropped by 44.6%.

Overall year-to-date sales were down by almost 11% at 2,023,104.

“November has been another difficult month for the motor industry and whilst some consumers may have delayed their purchases to take advantage of the recent VAT reductions, overall demand continues to fall,” said Paul Everitt, chief executive at the SMMT.

“Urgent action is now required to ease access to credit and finance, both to support consumers and meet the cash-flow needs of the industry.”

The market decline was across all types of vehicle, but small cars weathered the decline better than most and reported an improved market share.

And diesel sales accounted for nearly half of all new cars purchased, reaching a record high of 47% in November.