Graeme Wearden

UK business activity falls for the first time since October 2023 as trade tensions hurt economy, and car sales slide – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news


Car sales across the UK fell by over 10% last month, compared to a year ago.

New industry data shows that 120,331 new vehicles were registered in April, 10.4% fewer than in April 2024.

In what is traditionally a quieter month following the March plate change, volumes were also impacted by the late timing of Easter, resulting in fewer working days.