The average discount on new car prices in August was 7.68% or £3,066, according to new data from What Car?
This percentage cut is in line with the performance in August 2019 which saw cash discounts of 7.6% or £2,595.
August is traditionally a poor sales month in the lead up to the September plate-change, the second biggest registration month of the year.
However, discounts on some popular models exceed 20% as dealers look to boost sales. The Nissan Qashqai could be had with a 20.9% saving from dealers, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was being offered with 19.1% savings. Popular small cars, including the Seat Ibiza and Nissan Micra, can be had with a 16% cash saving.
Negative publicity over diesel with environmental and health concerns found them offered with biggest cuts, 8.46% or £4,547. Electric and hybrid discounts have steadily risen since the beginning of the year, with the average electric car offered with a 4.73% or £2,208 cash saving in August.
Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car?, said: “Normally September is the second-biggest month for new car registrations after March, but this year’s lockdown means it has the potential to eclipse all other months.”