New car sales up in July

New car registrations rose 2.4% in July to 157,149 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT).

This was the first growth in 15 months, reflecting the positive impact of the scrappage incentive scheme.

The market is still down almost 550,000 units over the past 12 months.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, commented: “The impact of the scrappage scheme is clear and we are encouraged by the positive impact it has had, increasing new car registrations for the first time since April 2008.

“Industry still faces a long road to recovery and we urge government to take action to sustain economic recovery through easing access to finance and credit and delivering the loan guarantees set out by the Automotive Assistance Programme.”