The new car market fell for the eighth successive month in December, but the pace of decline was less than the expected 35%, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).Registrations in the final quarter of the year were down 27.2%, the steepest fall of any quarter in 2008. Registrations ended 2008 at 2,131,795 units, the lowest since 1996. This figure was 272,212 units off the 2007 total and 447,255 units off the 2003 market peak of 2.579 million units. A further decline to 1.78 million units is currently forecast for 2009 – the lowest since 1992. Diesel volumes fell for the first time since 1999. However, diesel cars accounted for a record 43.6% share of the market, up from 40.2% in 2007 and over three times the share recorded in 2000. Demand for small cars continued to fare better than for larger vehicles, with the mini segment recording the only growth in 2008 and superminis seeing their market share climb to 33.4%, from 32.1% in 2007. As in November, the new Ford Fiesta was the best selling model in December, while the Ford Focus was the best seller for a tenth successive year in 2008. Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, commented: “The global economic downturn, precipitated by the crisis in the international banking and finance sector, created unprecedented challenges for the UK automotive industry in 2008.“The measures taken by government to support the banking sector and kick-start demand have been necessary, but are not yet sufficient to restore confidence. Further action to ease access to finance and credit across the economy is essential if long-term damage to valuable industrial capability is to be avoided.“2009 will be another difficult year for the UK automotive industry with new vehicle registrations and production significantly reduced. The industry faces these challenges stronger and more resilient than in recent memory. The extraordinary circumstances we currently face mean that government support will be required to take advantage of global economic growth when it returns.”