Whilst the diesel car market has generally taken a battering in 2018, latest figures show that the used car market is providing something of a safe haven for the maligned fuel engines.

The latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders for the second quarter of 2018 show that used diesel car sales rose by 3.2 per cent, with sales of 898,573 units. Petrol sales dropped in the used car market, but demand for alternative fuel and electric vehicles has risen by more than a quarter, though that is not as high as the new car market. Sales of electric vehicles in the used car market are affected by the limited availability of new powertrain tech.

Meanwhile sales of new model diesels are still on a sharp decline, with a drop of 24 per cent.

Speaking about the return to form of diesel for used cars, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said: “It’s great to see the used car sector remain in robust health as motorists take advantage of the exciting high-tech models filtering down from the new sector – including some of the latest low emission diesel and alternatively fuelled vehicles,” says SMMT chief exec Mike Hawes.

“However, with used sales so closely reflecting the new car market, some cooling is expected over the coming months. Given fleet renewal is the fastest way to improve air quality and reduce CO2, we need greater business and consumer confidence to keep both markets moving.”

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