Car sales leap is the biggest in two years

Car sales saw their biggest jump in nearly two years last month, as new vehicle registrations rose 7.9 per cent to 162,288.

The figures were driven by private car sales growth, which were 14.3 per cent higher in May than a year earlier, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Howard Archer, chief UK and European economist at IHS Global Insight, welcomed the figures, but said that the outlook was uncertain.

"This lifts hopes consumers may be becoming a little more prepared to spend... the motor industry still faces very challenging conditions," he said.