‘October proved to be another challenging month for car dealers, as consumers continued to be cautious about spending,’ said Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents UK car retailers, commenting on car sales figures for October 2008. 128,352 new cars were sold during October, 23 per cent down on 2007.Robinson continues: ‘The next few months could remain difficult if the Government does not make moves to help the consumer, and business. While interest rates are falling, and will in time feed through to businesses and consumers, there are a number of other measures including tax reductions that the Government could undertake to assist the economy.’ Robinson believes that further interest rate reductions are key to stimulating the economy: ‘For the economy to recover, the Bank of England must cut interest rates. Confidence needs to be returned to the banking system, and consumers need to feel safe in their jobs. However, it is vital that the impact of any interest rate cuts reaches the consumer.’Robinson adds: ‘Businesses desperately need to see that the Government is supporting them. This will help shore up businesses, and prevent further job losses.’