UK SALES of the Cowley-built Mini rose by more than 10 per cent last year, official figures revealed.

Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show the firm sold 43,894 cars in 2010, compared to 39,866 for the previous year, giving the company a 2.16 per cent share of the market.

The year finished particularly strongly as Mini was the fourth best-selling car in the country for December, beating other popular choices such as the Ford Focus, Volkswagen’s Polo and Golf models and the Vauxhall Insignia.

A total of 4,774 cars were sold during the month, compared to 3,859 in December last year, a rise of more than 23 per cent.

Mini spokesman Graham Biggs said the introduction of new, greener diesel engines had resulted in more company car sales due to the car 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, followed by the Roadster, both built at Cowley. The Paceman, a two-door concept version of the Countryman, will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show on Monday.

Nationally, new car sales rose by 1.8 per cent in 2010, but are forecast to decline by five per cent in 2011 due to a predicted tough financial market.