Car sales slowed as expected during February, reflecting both increased economic uncertainty and buyer confusion over the impact of new road tax regulations.

Sales of passenger cars were down more than 10% on last year at 24,119 for the month. This brought the year to date total up to 71,569, which is only 1.1% down on last year due to strong January sales. Obsevers are also concerned about a sharp decline in commercial vehicle sales which are sometimes seem as a barometer of the economic outlook. Sales of vans and other light commercials for January and February were down 10%, while sales of heavy commercials were down by just over 12%.