But sales after 10 days of the month were 215,541 units, which sets manufacturers the task of selling at least 184,459 for the remainder of the month - with the new V-plate losing its appeal as each day passes. Insiders at two of the largest vehicle manufacturers said Ford's recent 'price promise' that if it reduced the recommended retail price of any model this year it would reimburse buyers the difference between the new and old price had caused 'jitters' in the market. One said: 'Ford has simply fuelled the speculation that there will be a price reduction and people are holding off.'
However, there are also rumours that Ford may increase prices, starting with the launch of its facelifted Fiesta due at the end of 2000, followed by increases for Mondeo and Focus. New Fiesta prices are expected to be announced prior to the London Motor Show next month. Another factor in the slowdown in sales, some manufacturers believe, is leasing companies holding on to vehicles until the end of the year in anticipation of a bumper buying spree in January to mark the new millennium.
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