September 2008 Vehicle Registrations

Has anyone else been surprised by the amount of new 58 registration plates on show? At first I thought that things may have started off a little bit slow but we are half way through October 2008 now and although there has been a definite increase over the last few weeks, there is still much less than there normally is. I remember over the last few years on both the 1st of March and 1st September the amount of new cars that hit the road. Now, though it seems that although there are still a fair number out and about, used cars seem to be the more popular (and affordable) choice among car enthusiasts/buyers. This is obviously as a result of financial pressure due to the climate and so I suppose it is to be expected. Many local dealerships selling new and used cars have had to cease business as the amount of people buying is much less than it was. Also, the fact that property prices have also decreased means that dealers cannot afford to use their equity of their property as a way of affording a business base. But in terms of new vehicle registrations, maybe March 2009 will see an increase at a level more than in September. By then, it may be that the financial situation has picked up a little, which will no doubt impact on the car market and other industries. Also, with the introduction of new designs being made by the car manufacturers, it may just help new car sales that little bit more.