Sales of new cars race ahead

SMMT says number of new cars sold in 2013 is set to reach 2.25m - the highest figure since pre-recession

Top ten: Nissan Juke

Sales of new cars are continuing to increase, according to official figures out today.

In UK some 159,581 new cars were registered in November, a 7% rise on the same period in 2012, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has said.

November sales take the total for this year so far to 2,111,819 – a 9.9% rise on the same period in 2012, and in excess of the the total number of new registrations recorded last year which came to 2.04 million.

Sales for this year are on course to reach 2.25 million which would make 2013 the best year for new registrations since before the recession in 2007, when sales reached 2.4 million.

Alternative fuel vehicle sales have risen by 16.4% so far this year, but account for just 1.4% of the new car market.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Motorists have bought more than two million cars so far in 2013 - a tremendous success for the industry on the back of buoyant consumer confidence and innovative new products.

“With the UK economy looking increasingly positive, we can expect strong underlying demand for new cars to continue into 2014, with volumes set to match or surpass those seen this year.”

Best-selling models in November 2013:

1. Ford Fiesta
2. Ford Focus
3. Vauxhall Astra
4. Vauxhall Corsa
5. Volkswagen Golf
6. Vauxhall Insignia
7. Nissan Qashqai
8. Fiat 500
9. BMW 3 Series
10. Nissan Juke