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Land Rover sales take a knock

LAND Rover UK registrations have halved as the credit crunch continues to hit the car industry.

The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show Land Rover sold 4,907 vehicles last month – down 49.7% on the 9,756 sold in September, 2007.

Jaguar sales rose 3.56%, to 3,608, thanks to the successful launch of the XF.

Overall, the number of new cars sold last month plunged by 21.2% over the same period to 330,295, despite the introduction of new number plates.

The SMMT said demand for new cars had now fallen for the fifth consecutive month.

September new car registrations usually account for at least 17% of the annual total, so these figures are grim news for the industry.

The SMMT said recent news in the banking sector, a further slowdown in the housing market and rising unemployment had knocked confidence.

Chief executive Paul Everitt said: “Government action is now needed to restore consumer confidence.”

HOW Jaguar Land Rover is looking to survive the credit crunch – LDP Business tomorrow.