The Dutch car sector is heading for its worst year since 1969, according to automotive industry consultancy group Aumacon on Monday.

Aumacon expects 380,000 cars to be bought this year, revising down its earlier forecast of 415,000.

Over the past 10 years, dealers sold an average of 478,000 new cars a year. The record dates back to 1999 when almost 612,000 new cars were bought.

Sales have been hit by the downturn in consumer confidence as well as the fact that the car is losing its position as a status symbol and mode of transport, Aumacon says.

Aumacon director Clem Dickmann points out that luxury cars account for three of the top 10 best sold vehicles in neighbouring Belgium but do not feature in the Dutch top 10. He expects a further shift toward the sale of smaller cars.