New UK car sales edge higher in January

AFP (London) - Sales of new cars in Britain crept higher in January, official figures showed on Monday, as the market showed encouraging signs of stabilisation.

The number of new car registrations rose 0.03 percent last month to 128,853 vehicles, industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said in a statement, adding that the Ford Fiesta was the best-selling model.

"The January new car market held firm with 128,853 registrations, marginally up on January 2011, a welcome sign of stability in uncertain economic times," said SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt.

"2012 is set to be an exciting year with record numbers of new models coming to market filled with innovative technology that will save the motorist fuel, enhance comfort and further increase levels of safety and security.

"However, to maintain market stability, government must act decisively and deliver much-needed confidence to businesses and consumers."

The SMMT also predicted that the new car market would remain stable this year, dipping by just 1.0 percent to 1.92 million units in 2012, before staging a recovery in 2013.