Car sales have fallen to their lowest level since 1966, the SMMT has reported, as Britain's consumers shy away from making big purchases in the face of recession.
Just 63,225 new cars were sold in Britain during August, the worst sales figures reported in more than 40 years.
Although August is traditionally a quiet month for motor traders, with customers waiting for the September plate change, the economic downturn has left showrooms deserted.
One London-based dealer for a major premium marque told Autocar it had been the quietest month he could remember in more than 20 years selling new cars.
As a whole, the UK's new car market was 18.6 per cent down year on year - but Britain's own brands were hardest hit.
Aston Martin sold just 19 cars last month, compared with 58 cars in August 2007.
Jaguar, which has been resurgent since Tata bought the company, sold only 273 cars, a 40 per cent drop year-on-year. And Land Rover posted just 422 sales, a massive 58 per cent fall compared with last year.
Other luxury car firms like Porsche and Lexus have also seen year-on-year sales in this country fall by more than 50 per cent.
It was makers of more affordable, economical cars that posted less dramatic downturns. Ford's August figures fell by just five per cent. The Focus is still the UK's biggest selling model this year.
Roeland de Waard, chairman of Ford Britain, said "Ford is meeting the imperatives of family motoring - lower fuel costs and CO2 emissions from stylish affordable vehicles."
But today it was revealed that Bentley's Crewe factory has cut back to a three-day week, and JLR's Solihull plant has called Friday a "non-production day" to avoid stockpiling new cars.
"We're concerned by the reluctance of consumers to commit to major purchases," said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt. "There is a clear need for sustained action by government to boost the economy and restore confidence."
Government officials are keen to stress that the motor industry's downturn has been felt worldwide and not just in the UK.
But contrary to that, BMW reports that its August global figures rose by two per cent year-on-year.
In spite of the plunging UK figures in the automotive and other industries, Prime Minister Gordon Brown reiterated that he was "cautiously optimistic" about the state of Britain's economy.
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Re: Car sales downturn
"I have yet to see a 58 plate car." I saw my one and only 2 days ago so the market has obviously recovered. Bloody Megane with a bit of silver trim between the front fogs. A tart's window box if you ask me.
Re: Car sales downturn
Sounds like you didn't have the best of experiences and this is what gives the industry a bad name. Thought you may be interested in my comments on your woes:
1. Phonecalls not returned - this is very common, done it myself due to not being prepared. However, I soon realised that you sell more cars by chasing up every customer! This is the one complaint that I think most customers have, and really it isn't because sales staff don't want to return calls, it is just because many are not organised and don't keep on top of their work.
Getting cars from franchised dealers can be a huge problem and I know it frustrates a lot of potential customers, however in some cases it cannot be done if the car is with another dealership in a different group without actually buying the car off them. I dealt with new cars mainly, but I know this is a real problem for customers buying used.
There is no excuse for not knowing your products - unless you are a customer who wants to know the cylinder dimensions!
2. A lot of people seem to think this and I think there is some evidence on people lying about availability, but regarding finance that is rare - particularly because a) you will lose your job and b) you could never actually get away with it. If you have been misled then you can, and should, take action
3. 7K margin - I wish! What car were you looking to trade in?
Re: Car sales downturn
I have yet to see a 58 plate car.