New car sales fell again last month and are now down nearly 10% for the year so far, it was announced today.

A total of 75,996 new cars were registered in February 2006, 1.4% fewer than in February 2005, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

The total number of new cars sold in the first two months of this year was 9.7% lower than for the same period last year.

"So far this year the market has suffered from two things; firstly a surge in demand for diesel cars distorting the market at the end of 2005 and secondly weaker consumer confidence," the SMMT 's chief executive, Christopher Macgowan, said.

But Mr Macgowan said March would provide a more accurate barometer of performance for the year.

"While times are still tough, the number plate-change is shifting the car market spike from September to March. Competitive deals like 0% finance and free insurance should also help drive customers to showrooms throughout March," he said.

Private buyers represented just 34.9% of the total market in February 2006 and the industry is hoping consumers will be attracted to the new number-plate cars now on sale.

The SMMT believes March sales this year could reach 450,000. Supermini sales were down 2.4% last month while multi purpose vehicles (MPVs) showed the biggest rise, up 4.9%.

The Ford Focus was once again the top-selling model last month. The top 10 best-selling models in February 2006 were:

1. Ford Focus
2. Vauxhall Astra

3. Vauxhall Corsa

4. Ford Fiesta
5. Volkswagen Golf
6. Peugeot 307
7. Ford MondeoM
8. Peugeot 407
9. Renault Clio
10.Vauxhall Zafira