Hybrids and electric cars saw a massive boost in registrations last month at the expense of diesel.
Diesel sales dipped nearly 10%, petrol went up almost 6% but the real surprise was a 49% jump in alternatively powered models, the biggest since they entered the market several years ago, said the SMMT.
Advertisement
A combination of concerns over emissions and impending hefty increases for running a diesel contributed to the drop.
Overall new car sales were down 0.3% to 83,115 in what is traditionally one of the quietest months before the new registration plate kicks in. LCV sales dipped 4.3%.
In Wales, sales fell the most in the country by 15.2% last month to 2,058 new cars.
February registrations
| Wales | Britain | |
| Fiesta | Fiesta | |
| Focus | Golf | |
| Golf | Focus | |
| Polo | Astra | |
| Mokka | MB C Class | |
| Juke | Qashqai | |
| Qashqai | Corsa | |
| Ecosport | Juke | |
| Zafira Tourer | Polo | |
| Yaris | Audi A3 |
