UK new car sales fall in June

LONDON—Sales of new cars fell 6.1 percent in June in Britain compared with a year ago, an industry group said Friday.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said 209,190 new vehicles were registered in June, with the market share for diesel engines rising 4.5 points to 42.8 percent.

"We are now seeing concerns about rising fuel bills and household costs dampening consumer confidence, leading to slower demand for new cars," said Paul Everitt, the society's chief executive.

"Cost pressures, environmental concerns and technological advances have ensured consumers have taken the choice of buying more efficient vehicles, and record numbers of cars are now in the lowest CO2 vehicle excise duty bands," he added.