Car Sales Drop 6% in U.K.

New-car registrations in the U.K. shrank to 76,400 units in August from 81,600 units in the same month last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

August’s results were the market’s third-best ever. But the 6% decline also marked the fifth consecutive month of weaker year-on-year results. Analysts blame consumer worries about diesel bans and the economic impact of England exiting the EU.

Sales to individuals and businesses fell 10% and 14%, respectively, in August. Fleet sales dipped 3%. SMMT reports that demand for diesels plunged 21% to 30,300 vehicles. Sales of alternate-fuel vehicles climbed 58% to 4,000 units.

Passenger vehicle sales in England through the first eight months of 2017 totaled 1.64 million units, down 2%, according to the trade group.