UK sales of the Cowley-built Mini dipped slightly in January, latest figures have revealed.

A total of 1,595 cars were sold during the month compared to 1,614 in January last year, a fall of 1.18 per cent, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Nationally, car sales were up slightly on the same period last year with 128,853 registrations which industry bosses say is a welcome sign of stability in the market despite the ongoing economic gloom.

But SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “To maintain market stability, government must act decisively and deliver much needed confidence to businesses and consumers.”