With consumers opting for fuel-economic diesel-powered vehicles as well as small cars, new car sales totalled 175,668 in April 2008 - a 3.2 per cent rise on the April 2007 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.
Diesels took a record 45.4 per cent share of the market last month and total vehicle sales for the year so far - at 859,017 - are just about level with the January-April 2007 figure.
SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said today: "With fuel prices sky-high, consumers are looking for efficient motoring they can afford.
"The latest registration figures show diesel-powered vehicles have hit their highest monthly market share on record, alongside a stronger focus on super-efficient small cars."
He went on: "The motor industry has invested in a wide variety of new technologies and exciting designs to ensure motorists have a wide choice and can continue to maintain their mobility, save money and reduce their carbon footprint."
The
Ford
Focus was the top-selling model in April 2008 and also outsold the
Volkswagen
Golf to become the best-selling
diesel
car.
However, Ford was knocked off its best-manufacturer spot by
Vauxhall
which had the biggest share of the market last month - 15.08 per cent to Ford's 14.51 per cent. Vauxhall also had four models in the top 10 best-selling list.
The best-selling models in April 2008 were:
1. Ford Focus
2. Vauxhall Corsa
3. Vauxhall Astra
4. Ford Fiesta
5. Volkswagen Golf
6.
Peugeot
207
7. Vauxhall Vectra
8. Vauxhall Zafira
9.
Renault
Clio
10. Ford Mondeo
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