NEW car sales rose last month to give the motor industry its first monthly increase of the year.

A total of 190,002 new cars were registered last month 1.1 per cent more than in May 2005, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: "In what is proving to be a competitive market, the rise in May figures reflects a small upturn in consumer confidence.

He added: "It has been a tough year so far but the industry is proving to be resilient. More manufacturers have announced world debuts for this summer's British International Motor Show in London, so car buyers will be able to see for themselves just how many options there are."

Despite the May rise, new car sales are down 4.3 per cent at 1.02m for the first five months of this year compared with the January-May 2006 period.

The May 2006 increase was aided by a rise in supermini sales. The MPV, luxury saloon and sports car markets also enjoyed increases.

Top ten best sellers in the UK

  • 1. Ford Focus
  • 2. Vauxhall Astra
  • 3. Ford Fiesta
  • 4. Volkswagen Golf
  • 5. Vauxhall Corsa
  • 6. Renault Megane
  • 7. Ford Mondeo
  • 8. Vauxhall Vectra
  • 9. Vauxhall Zafira
  • 10.Renault Clio