Volvo’s September sales are down 1.8% and down 2% for the year-to-date to 6,498 and 30,772 units sold respectively.

The Swedish carmaker’s best selling model was the V50 Sportswagon with 1,625 units in September and 6,026 units for the YTD.

Diesel engines represented 67% of Volvo’s total sales for the YTD, a rise of 9.1%. This was despite the fact that Volvo’s diesel engines only became Euro IV compliant in mid-summer.

“The new car market in the UK is becoming particularly competitive, with sales down 5.2% so far this year, yet Volvo increased its market share to 1.6% during this period with only a two per cent dip in sales,” said a Volvo spokesperson.