UK new car sales rise 10.8% in June

UK new car sales rose 10.8% in June compared with the same month last year, industry figures have shown, despite the end of the scrappage scheme.

A total of 195,226 new cars were sold in June, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

In the six months from January to June, there were 1,208,662 new registrations, a 19.9% rise on the first half of 2009.

"The new car market continued to perform above expectations in June," SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said.

June registrations were boosted by a rise of more than 25% in fleet sales.

"The results indicate improved business confidence and a strengthening economic recovery," Mr Everitt said.

"The industry still expects challenging economic conditions in the second half of the year and government action to improve access to credit for consumers and businesses will be important in sustaining the momentum of recovery."