Kent's motor dealerships are facing a tough autumn - as the number of people buying new cars slumps at the fastest rate in 17 years.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has announced new UK car registrations fell by 21 per cent in September.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: “New car registrations have fallen for the fifth consecutive month and represent the most difficult economic conditions the industry has faced in 17 years."

Geoffrey Fletcher, managing director of Drake and Fletcher, the 110-year-old Kent-based motor dealership business, admitted the car business was going through tough times.

But he added: "There are no substantive plans for job losses and it is our intention to represent the brands of Mazda and Honda in Maidstone under the banner of Drake and Fletcher for the foreseeable future."

Last month Dutton Forshaw announced that 60 jobs would go in Kent with the closure of its loss-making Skoda, Chevrolet and parts operation in Bircholt Road, Maidstone.

The SMMT is calling for government action to restore consumer confidence and boost demand in the real economy. It is calling for the chancellor's pre-budget report to set out a package of measures to boost demand for new fuel-efficient cars and to scrap plans for unfair increases in car tax.

September and March, the months in which car registration letters change, are usually the most popular months for buying a new car.