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| UK new car sales accelerated in May, say manufacturers | UK new car sales accelerated in May, say manufacturers |
| (39 minutes later) | |
| UK new car sales jumped to 162,288 last month, a 7.9% rise compared with May 2011, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). | UK new car sales jumped to 162,288 last month, a 7.9% rise compared with May 2011, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). |
| It was the largest percentage increase in registrations for 23 months, thanks largely to a 14.3% increase in private sales, says the SMMT. | It was the largest percentage increase in registrations for 23 months, thanks largely to a 14.3% increase in private sales, says the SMMT. |
| The sharp rise in May brings the total for 2012 up to 868,166 - a 2.6% rise over the same period last year. | The sharp rise in May brings the total for 2012 up to 868,166 - a 2.6% rise over the same period last year. |
| The fleet market was up 4.8%, ending a three-month decline. | The fleet market was up 4.8%, ending a three-month decline. |
| "May's 7.9% increase in new car registrations is good news for the motor industry and the UK economy," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. | "May's 7.9% increase in new car registrations is good news for the motor industry and the UK economy," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. |
| "The consistent climb in new car registrations during the first five months of the year suggests that confidence is returning, despite financial uncertainty in the eurozone." | "The consistent climb in new car registrations during the first five months of the year suggests that confidence is returning, despite financial uncertainty in the eurozone." |
| The best-selling car in May was the Vauxhall Corsa, but the Ford Fiesta remains the UK's most popular new car in 2012, with 50,507 sold so far. | The best-selling car in May was the Vauxhall Corsa, but the Ford Fiesta remains the UK's most popular new car in 2012, with 50,507 sold so far. |
| The UK automotive industry has an annual turnover of about £49bn, accounting for more than 10% of total exports, and employs 700,000 people. | |
| Going green | Going green |
| There was also significant growth sales of lower emissions vehicles - hybrid petrol-electric, electric-only, and range-extended cars - which rose 31.8% in May, albeit from a low base. | There was also significant growth sales of lower emissions vehicles - hybrid petrol-electric, electric-only, and range-extended cars - which rose 31.8% in May, albeit from a low base. |
| Sales in this sector increased to 12,145 for 2012, compared with 11,347 for the same period last year, with the bulk of these being hybrid petrol-electric cars. | Sales in this sector increased to 12,145 for 2012, compared with 11,347 for the same period last year, with the bulk of these being hybrid petrol-electric cars. |
| But new models, such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric-powered cars, have also helped boost the market. | But new models, such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric-powered cars, have also helped boost the market. |
| And Vauxhall and Chevrolet have released "range-extended" electric-powered cars that use petrol generators to increase the range of their electric batteries. | And Vauxhall and Chevrolet have released "range-extended" electric-powered cars that use petrol generators to increase the range of their electric batteries. |
| "The green sector is growing fast," Jonathan Visscher, SMMT spokesman told the BBC. | "The green sector is growing fast," Jonathan Visscher, SMMT spokesman told the BBC. |
| "Every car manufacturer is going to have a hybrid model on its lists by the end of this year, even Ferrari." | "Every car manufacturer is going to have a hybrid model on its lists by the end of this year, even Ferrari." |