UK new car sales jumped by 12.7%

UK new car sales have increased yet again. In July, the figures have increased by 12.7% that marks the 17th successive monthly increase.

14:58 09 August 2013

Official figures have revealed that new car sales in the United Kingdom have increased by 12.7per cent in July. This is the 17th successive monthly increase. Based on the figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the UK car market continues to outperform most of its European rivals.

Due to better-than-expected report, the UK motor industry has now raised its forecast for new car sales in 2013.

Mike Baunton, SMMT interim chief executive said: "Now we have evidence of consistent growth, we have raised our forecast for 2013 new car registrations.”

"Recently, we've seen a range of economic indicators point to improving conditions and our raised sales forecast emphasizes how positively we view the rest of 2013."

Ford Fiesta and Focus have sold the most number of units in July selling 9,000 and 7,200 respectively. General Motor’s Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen’s Golf are also some of the most popular.

Derek McAllan, UK head of automotive retail at KPMG, is confident that the car industry will grow continuously: He said: "The continued availability of cheap and subsidised finance, a recovering economy and a sustained house price recovery should ensure that the motor retail market remains strong for the remainder of the year and into 2014.”