Recent economic challenges are likely to blame for declining vehicle sales

Motor Industry Association figures show new registrations fell 13.5-percent last year, compared with 2023.

It equates to more than 20-thousand fewer new cars on our roads.

Chief Executive Aimee Wiley says when people are struggling with other costs, they're not high on the list of purchases.

She says it's not surprising given the economic environment we've been in.

Wiley says it's a level of decline that's expected in an economic downturn.