LONDON - NEW car sales in Britain fell 37 per cent in November compared to the same month in 2007, with total sales hovering just above 100,000, another sign the automotive sector is being hit hard by the financial crisis, an industry group said on Thursday.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said sales to the private market were off 45 per cent. For the year to date, total sales were down 10.7 per cent compared to last year.

'November has been another difficult month for the motor industry and whilst some consumers may have delayed their purchases to take advantage of the recent VAT (value-added tax) reductions, overall demand continues to fall,' said Paul Everitt, the society's chief executive.

'Urgent action is now required to ease access to credit and finance, both to support consumers and meet the cash-flow needs of the industry.' The Bank of England is widely expected to cut its key interest rate later Thursday from 3.00 per cent to as low as 2.00 per cent.

No manufacturer recorded an increase in November; Volvo had the best result with a drop of 6.7 per cent.

Chrysler sales dropped 76 per cent, Lotus 73 per cent, Mitsubishi 70 per cent, Alfa Romeo 68 per cent, and Land Rover and Renault fell 64 per cent.

Ford, the leader in volumes of sales, reported a fall of 12 per cent while the second largest producer Vauxhall saw a 12.5 per cent decline. -- AP