UK sales of the Cowley-built Mini rose slightly in November, bucking the national trend.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a total of 3,117 cars were registered during the month, compared to 3,097 for the same month in 2009.

And for the year to date 39,120 cars have found owners, 8.65 per cent ahead of last year.

Nationally, registrations fell by 11.5 per cent to 139,875 units, although the new car market remains 3.4 per cent up over the first 11 months of the year at 1,907,029 units.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “Registrations are expected to fall next month, but demand may benefit from motorists looking to avoid the January VAT rise.

“This factor, coupled with the strength of the first half of 2010, means year-end volumes are expected to lift to more than 2.03 million units, two per cent up from last year. Next year will continue to be challenging as consumer spending tightens and the Government’s austerity measures take effect.”