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UK new car sales witness sharp increase

New car sales in the UK increased by 7.9% to 162,288 last month in comparison with the same period a year ago, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

This was the largest percentage increase in registrations for 23 months, which was attributed to a 14.3% increase in private sales.

The rise in May brings the 2012 total up to 868,166, which represents a 2.6% increase on the same period in 2011.

Commenting on the figures, Paul Everitt SMMT chief executive said: “May’s 7.9% increase in new car registrations is good news for the motor industry and the UK economy.

The fleet market was also up 4.8%, ending a three month decline.

The Vauxhall Corsa was the best-selling car last month, although the Ford Fiesta was the most popular car in 2012 with 50,507 sold so far.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .