New car registrations up in May

New car registrations climbed 13.5% in May, marking the eleventh successive monthly rise, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Full year registrations total expected to dip slightly as scrappage boost comes to an end.

Fleet and private markets show positive gain in May up by 16.0% and 12.3% respectively.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: “May was another good month for the UK new car market, although we expect the coming months to be extremely challenging.

“It is essential that the upcoming emergency budget promotes consumer and business confidence to maintain economic recovery.”