U.K. Car Sales Slipped 3% in March

New-car deliveries in the U.K. fell 3% to 458,100 units last month, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reports.

SMMT says demand was sapped by further erosion in diesel sales and consumer uncertainty about the impact of Britain’s impending exit from the European Union.

March is an unusually high-volume month because of vehicle licensing procedures and is considered an indicator of consumer confidence. Sales for the month dropped for private owners (-3% to 222,100 units) and business (-45% to 12,700).

Diesels comprised 26% of the market, as deliveries plunged 21% to 153,600 units. SMMT reports that sales of gasoline-fueled cars rose 5% to 312,100 units.