Decline in number of new cars licensed last month

The number of new private cars licensed last month was down slightly on the same period last year, figures released today have shown.

A total of 6,953 cars were licensed in July of this year, compared to 7, 018 in July of 2010, a 0.9% decrease.

Ford was the most popular new car licensed, followed by Volkswagon, Opel and Toyota.

There was a 2.8% increase to 895 in the number of new goods vehicles licensed last month.