UK car sales break new record

The previous record of 1,376,565 standing from June 2004 has been beaten by this year's current total of 1,376,889.

SMMT state the reason for the rise comes from low interest rates, attractive finance deals offered by car manufacturers and a demand for newer models fitted with the latest available technology.

According to the date provided, more and more British car buyers are choosing British-built models with around one in six customers purchasing a car manufactured in Britain in the first six months of this year marking the highest recorded level in five years.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "It is still a great time to buy a new car in the UK, and it is encouraging to see more consumers choosing British models.

"This is more important for the wider economy with 799,000 people now employed across the UK automotive sector, including retail".

Date from June also acknowledged a trend towards alternatively fuelled vehicles with sales of electric and hybrid vehicles rising 71% from 12 months ago, as a result of fleet registrations and private sales.

Two Ford models made the top three selling cars of the year so far with the Ford Fiesta topping the charts and the Ford Focus coming in third, with the Vauxhall Corsa the second top-selling car model.

Despite the rise in purchase of British-built models only the Nissan Qashqai and Mini were among the overall top 10 sellers, and Mike Hawes suggests the rise in British buys isn't expected to continue.

"We anticipate a flatter second half of the year as the market finds its natural running rate," he added.