Rise in new car registrations

New car registrations rose by 3.5 per cent on the year in June, propelled by robust demand from private buyers and taking sales ahead of predictions.

The figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) were not as strong as May's 23-month record of 7.9 per cent, but the market was 5 per cent ahead of expectations for the second quarter, the industry body said.

Paul Everitt, the SMMT's chief executive, said: "Despite domestic and international economic concerns, UK motorists are responding positively to new products and the latest fuel-efficient technology. The industry has performed better than expected in the first half of the year."