The Cowley-built Mini has achieved its highest ever market share since it was launched almost ten years ago. Latest figures show a total of 4,774 cars were sold in December, compared to 3,859 in the same month last year, a rise of more than 23 per cent and giving it a 3.86 per cent slice of the overall market. The performance also made it the fourth best selling car in the country, according to the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Over the course of the year sales rose by more than ten per cent last year, official figures have revealed. Statistics from the SMMT show 43,894 cars were sold in 2010, compared to 39,866 for the previous year, giving it a 2.16 per cent share of the market. Mini spokesman Graham Biggs said the introduction of new, greener diesel engines had resulted in more company car sales due to them being more tax efficient, while the Austrian-built Countryman had also boosted the figures. He added: “The Mini has remained a very desirable car and there is great enthusiasm for it. “The market remains difficult, for example with the rise in VAT, but the figures are very good and we are looking forward to 2011.” This year will see the launch of the new Coupe model which will be followed by the Roadster, both of which will be built in Cowley. Meanwhile, the Paceman, a two-door concept version of the Countryman, will be shown at the Detroit Motor Show from Monday <<jan 10>> Nationally, new car sales rose by 1.8 per cent in 2010 to a total of 2,030,846 units, although is forecast to decline by five per cent in 2011 due to “difficult market conditions.” SMMT chief executive Paul everitt said: “Economic conditions remain extremely challenging, but industry expects demand to strengthen in the second half of the year.”