8 per cent to 171,674 units, although the 2002 market as a whole is forecast to reach a new 2.5 million record – up 80,000 cars on last year. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders last week showed that in the year to November, registrations were up 3.7 per cent to 2,419,055 cars. SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said that registrations had fallen as expected but the market was still on a second successive record year and is “set to smash the 2.5 million barrier for the first time”. Once again, November showed sales of diesel cars rocketing ahead, taking 27.1 per cent of sales. In the year to November, diesels had taken a 23.4 per cent of the market compared to 17.6 per cent for the same period in 2001. Retail sales fell 16.8 per cent in November while registrations to fleets of more than 25 vehicles rose 2.1 per cent and to businesses with less than 25 vehicles, up 7 per cent. But year-to-date, it is business sales that have risen most, up almost 10 per cent while fleet sales have risen 4.8 per cent and private sales showed 1.7 per cent growth. The top performer was Smart, up 52.3 per cent from a low base in 2001. Brands within Bob Edmiston's IM Group turned on the heat with Daihatsu up 56.5 per cent, Isuzu up 50.6 per cent and Subaru up 36.1 per cent for the month. Other companies to turn in strong performances for the month included Chrysler, which rose 24.1 per cent and Mazda, up 31.1 per cent. Those challenged included Daewoo – waiting for the GM ownership effect to kick in – with sales down almost 87 per cent. Citroen, one of the most aggressive players in the market with its 17.5 per cent cut price offer in October producing a 22 per cent rise in sales, was unable to maintain the momentum in November and sales fell 21 per cent. The offer continues to 31 December. l The full SMMT registration table will appear in Motor Trader next week.