New car registrations in the UK rose in July, marking the fifth consecutive monthly increase so far this year.
Data compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed a 9.3 per cent rise to 143,884 units sold, helping push up registrations for the first seven months of the year to more than 1.2 million - 3.5 per cent higher than the same period in 2011.
SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt commented: "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."
As a result of this upturn, the SMMT has now revised its predictions for the new car sector for the full 12 months of 2012 upwards from 1.94 to 1.97 million units.
Last month, the SMMT revealed the UK automotive industry generated record turnover in 2011- up by 12 per cent year on year to £55 billion.
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