UK SALES of the Cowley-built Mini are up again, latest figures have revealed.

Statistics compiled by the Society of Motor manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show 3,302 cars were sold in October, a rise of 3.74 per cent on the same month last year.

The rise has been boosted by the recent launch of the Mini Coupe model.

Figures for the year to date show 41,449 cars have been sold so far this year, up by more than 15 per cent on the same period in 2010.

Nationally, new car registrations rose by 2.6 per cent to 134,944 units, the second increase in three months, although they remain down 4.5 per cent year on year.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: “We expect market conditions to remain challenging and hope the chancellor’s Autumn Statement later this month will help to boost economic growth and consumer confidence.”