Car sales so far in 2002 have increased dramatically on last year despite the gloomy economic forecast, according to figures released this week.
Research by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows that almost ten per cent more cars were sold in January this year compared with the same month in 2001.
New car registrations were up 9.3 per cent (205,476 cars) last month, resulting in 16 consecutive months of growth in the market. Sales last year were at a record high, peaking at 2.45 million cars and beating the previous record set in 1989 which saw 2.3 million new vehicles registered. But despite the figures, the SMMT expects the market to ease back slightly by the end of 2002 so that sales for the year as a whole will be marginally less than they were for the "exceptional" 2001.
Christopher Macgowan, chief executive of the SMMT, said: "2002 is off to a flying start. Growth of nine per cent in the market is good news for the industry and it is worth noting that the total number of British-built cars increased year-on-year."
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