10 April 2007
The month of March saw one of the highest number of new car registrations since the introduction of the twice-yearly licence plate change, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The 3.1% year-on-year increase was attributed to showrooms offering free car insurance deals, the lure of 0% finance and consumer demand for greener vehicles.
A total of 449,287 new cars were registered in the first quarter of 2007, with diesel and supermini cars showing growth of 7.8% and 6.6% respectively, the Ford Focus proving to be the best-selling model.
SMMT Chief Executive Christopher Macgowan explained: "Growth in diesel and supermini cars shows that fuel efficiency and greener motoring are now critical concerns for buyers."
Consumers looking to purchase a car in the coming months will find that their choice of motor will influence their car insurance premiums.
A sportier car with a larger engine is likely to cost more to insure, while some car insurance companies are now offering incentives to encourage greener motoring.