British car sales at highest for decade: trade data

[LONDON] British new car sales accelerated last month to the highest September level for a decade, lifted by demand for the latest number plates, industry data showed on Monday.

New car registrations rose 5.6 per cent last month to 425,861 vehicles compared with data for September 2013, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said in a statement.

That was the highest level for the month since 2004.

"September's strong performance underlined the continuing robustness of the UK new car market," said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.

"Demand... has been boosted by intensifying confidence in the UK economy, with consumers attracted by a wide range of exciting, increasingly fuel-efficient, new cars," he added in the statement. - AFP