Car sales buoyant in October

More cars were sold last month than October last year

New car sales increased significantly in Northern Ireland last month, up 40% on October last year.

The figure is close to levels recorded in 2007, the best year on record for new car sales in Northern Ireland.

The upturn is being attributed to consumers taking advantage of the car scrappage scheme and wanting to buy before the VAT increase in December.

The top selling car in Northern Ireland last month was the Ford Fiesta, followed by the Volkswagen Golf.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) the number of cars sold so far this year in Northern Ireland is 46,486 which is down almost 13 per cent from the 53,235 sold by the same point last year.

The upturn last month is reflected across the UK.

Other popular cars bought in Northern Ireland include the third most popular, the Peugeot 207, and in fourth place the Ford Focus.

Three of the other places in the top ten are taken up by Hyundai models.

Top Selling Cars in October Ford Fiesta VW Golf Peugeot 207 Ford Focus Hyundai i10

The car scrappage scheme, where buyers can trade in a car bought before 2000 in return for a £2000 discount, was due to have ended.

However following its success, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson extended the scheme until the end of January.

Industry analysts say that February, the first month when the scrappage scheme has ended and VAT has risen again, will be an important time to judge whether there is a genuine upturn in the market.