Early indications of 05 registration sales since its introduction on March 1 show a smaller decline in the market than that predicted by the Society of Vehicle Manufacturers and Traders.

Figures sourced by AM for most volume manufacturers for the first 10 days of the month showed a fall in the overall market of -1% compared with the same period in March 2004.

At the beginning of the month the SMMT forecast a 6% drop in March’s registrations, although a spokesman believes the market is still “in good shape”.

The SMMT’s 10-day report does not include prestige marques Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. When asked by AM to provide figures, they declined, saying they prefer to wait until the end of the month for a broader picture.

		March 1-10 2005		March 1-10 2004		% change

Citroen		6,666		4.42%		7708		3.82%		-14%
Daihatsu		512		0.26%		437		0.25%		+5%
Ford		26045		13.37%		28089		14.26%		-7%
Hyundai		3562		1.83%		3262		1.66%		+9%
Mazda		3943		2.02%		4053		2.06%		-3%
Nissan		6599		3.39%		7287		3.71%		-9%
Proton		178		0.09%		142		0.07%		+25%
Rover		2051		1.05%		2964		1.51%		-31%
Seat		2323		1.19%		2545		1.29%		-9%
Suzuki		2698		1.39%		3318		1.69%		-19%
Vauxhall		27178		13.95%		23048		11.72%		+18%