UK new car registrations grew 11% to 180,111 units in May.
The SMMT said private – retail – demand climbed 20.9%, outperforming pre-recession volumes recorded in 2007. But May total sales were down on 2007 levels.
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Last month was the 15th successive month of growth and the largest May volume in six years.
Registrations year to date were up 9.3% to 948,666 units.
“The year-to-date new car market remains 9.2% off 2007 volumes for the same period, but trends among private buyers provide a good indication that consumer confidence is strong,” the SMMT said.
SMMT interim CEO Mike Baunton said: “While it is clear that buying confidence among UK motorists is very strong, continued economic uncertainty abroad, particularly in the rest of Europe, will mean that manufacturers remain cautious about performance in the second half of 2013.”
Mini segment cars have seen the strongest growth so far in 2013, although most segments have posted increases.
Small cars tend to be petrol-fuelled and petrol-powered cars have seen the strongest growth so far in 2013, up 14%.
The Ford Fiesta was the best selling model in both the month and year-to-date.
