British new car sales rally 11.5pc in January

LONDON: Sales of new cars in Britain rallied in January compared with the level in the same month of last year, making a bright start to 2013 despite economic gloom elsewhere, industry figures showed on Wednesday.

The number of new car registrations last month jumped 11.5 percent to 143,643 vehicles, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said in a statement.

"The new car market has started the year confidently," said SMMT interim chief executive Mike Baunton.

"Lifted by a solid rise in private demand, the new car market posted its eleventh successive month of growth with motorists attracted to forecourts by the latest models and competitive deals on offer.

"Building on a strong performance in 2012, SMMT has increased its market forecast -- we anticipate a modest rise over the year, followed by further growth in 2014," Baunton added.

The industry organisation cautioned however that growth was partly driven by promotional offers.

"The growth is set against a challenging economic backdrop, suggesting market-specific factors are helping to drive demand, such as delayed purchases being tempted by deals and offers," SMMT added.