Sign in

(20)

---

New car registrations were up 13.5 per cent in May, compared to the same month last year. This was the 11th successive monthly rise, according to figures released by the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Alternatively fuelled vehicle registrations rose 195.3 per cent to take a 1.1 per cent market share in May, while diesel demand rose 21.0 per cent reaching 46.9 per cent overall.

Volumes have risen by 22 per cent over the first five months of 2010, thanks to the success of the Government's scrappage scheme.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said, "May was another good month for the UK new car market, although we expect the coming months to be extremely challenging. It is essential that the upcoming emergency budget promotes consumer and business confidence to maintain economic recovery."

The final few scrappage registrations continue to feed the May market, following the scheme's closure in March. The scheme started on 18 May 2009 and has averaged 17 per cent of monthly new car registrations. Almost all orders have now been delivered, with just 2.7 per cent of the May market coming through the scheme.

The Ford Fiesta was knocked off the best seller list for the first time this year, by the Focus. Supermini sales dropped slightly in May, with larger family hatchbacks regaining popularity. The Nissan Qashqai entered the charts for the first time this year, following its facelift in March.

May best sellers:
1. Ford Focus: 7,163
2. Vauxhall Astra: 6,734
3. Ford Fiesta: 6,619
4. Vauxhall Corsa: 5,950
5. Volkswagen Golf: 4,314
6. BMW 3 Series: 3,732
7. Volkswagen Polo: 3,721
8. Mini: 3,445
9. Nissan Qashqai: 3,359
10. Audi A3: 3,093

(20)