Record new car sales anticipated

RECORD new car sales are expected for 2013 after last month's figures showed another strong increase.

A total of 157,314 new cars were registered in October - a 4% rise on October last year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

The October rise - the 20th successive monthly increase - took the year-so-far total to just over 1.95 million, a 10.2% rise on January-October last year.

The SMMT now expects the year-end new car sales figure to reach 2.25 million - well up on 2.07 million last year and the best year since 2007.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "We have now seen 20 consecutive months of growth. These sustained rises have been driven by robust private demand, a trend that has given us the confidence to raise our year-end forecast.

"Looking ahead, we anticipate more moderate growth as the market stabilises."

Private sales grew 4.5% last month and are up 15.7% for the year so far.

These were the top 10 best-selling models in October:

1. Ford Fiesta

2. Vauxhall Corsa

3. Ford Focus

4. Volkswagen Golf

5. Vauxhall Astra

6. Nissan Qashqai

7. Nissan Juke

8. Vauxhall Insignia

9. Fiat 500

10. BMW 3 Series

By Peter Woodman, Press Association