COWLEY: UK sales of the Mini rose 19.52 per cent in July over the same month last year to 2,914 cars.

But year-to-date figures for the Mini from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show only a 1.4 per cent increase in sales for the first seven months of 2012 to 27,528 units.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “International economic stability remains a concern for vehicle manufacturers and the UK market but intense competition and new fuel efficient products are creating great opportunities for motorists.”