New car registrations drop 4.6 pct in May due to uncertainty over diesel policy

British new car registrations dropped 4.6% last month due to uncertainty over diesel policy and the government's decision to cut incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles, an industry body said on Wednesday. Sales fell to 183,724 cars in May, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

"Confusing policy messages and changes to incentives continue to affect consumer and business confidence, causing drivers to keep hold of their older, more polluting vehicles for longer," said SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes.