British new car sales surpass 2m units until October

British new car registrations have surpassed two million so far this year with an October surge, data released on Thursday showed.
New car sales jumped 14.2 percent annually in October to 179,714 units, marking the 32nd consecutive month of growth, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
2,137,910 cars have been registered in the year to date, first time the number has surpassed two million units since 2007, it added.
"The October new car market outperformed expectations, with registrations showing the strongest growth in a month since March's 18 percent rise," said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.
"With economic confidence still rising, customers continue to benefit from attractive financial packages on exciting new models," he added.
Ford Fiesta was still on the top list of the best sellers, with 9,157 units being sold in October. Other best sellers included Ford Focus, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Juke.
Demand for alternatively-fuelled vehicles continued rising, with market share up more than 50 percent in both month and year rates, according to the data.
The automotive industry was a vital part of the British economy, making more than 60 billion pounds in turnover with 12 billion pounds value added. It accounted for 10 percent of total British export of goods.
The SMMT was the trade association for the British motor industry, which covered companies of all sizes in the industry including supply chain, aftermarket, manufacturing and distribution.