31/08/2001

Number plate change is expected to boost car sales

The change to the UK’s car registration plates is expected to boost flagging sales in new cars.

As interest rates have come down and new car prices are around six per cent cheaper than last year dealers are hoping that buyers will be tempted by the offers available in the showrooms.

A recent survey conducted by Alliance and Leicester and What Car? revealed that the gap between the prices of new and old cars is the narrowest it has been for more than two years.

In a complete change in format the new UK registration plates will have a locality identifier, an age identifier and random letters.

As with most other European countries onlookers will be able to tell from the plate how old the car is and where it car was first registered.

The first of the new look registration plates will be issued in September. (CD)

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