Motor industry: Optimism as car sales recover

More than two million cars were sold in the UK last year, 1.8 per cent more than in 2009, latest figures have revealed.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jan 2011, 22:50 BST
Updated 7th Jan 2011, 22:51 BST

However, the motor industry expects to face a difficult few months because of the "extremely challenging" economic conditions.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said sales increased by 35,847 in 2010 to 2,030,846, but it was a year of two halves following the end of the car scrappage scheme in March.

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Sales surged by almost 20 per cent in the first half of the year but fell back by 13.8 per cent in the second six months, the figures showed.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said 2010 was a "year of recovery" for the motor industry, adding: "Economic conditions remain extremely challenging, but industry expects demand to strengthen in the second half of the year.

"Competition in the retail sector will intensify as the industry seeks to re-balance demand across its new and used car and service and repair business.

"UK motor manufacturing recovered particularly well in 2010 and the outlook is for further steady growth this year."