After a strong start, 2004 new car registrations failed to match the previous year's record levels. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders have revealed that the market fell by 0.5 per cent. A total of 2,567,269 registrations still made last year the second strongest on record, but a four per cent decrease is forecast for 2005. Ford's Focus topped the charts again, outselling its rivals even with an all-new model on the horizon.