UK automobile sales flourishing

new automobile sales in the UK reached a four-year high in 2012. Registrations rose 5.3 per cent year-on-year to 2.04 million models, according to the society of motor producers and Traders (SMMT). That’s the highest level because the recession began in 2008.
The Ford Fiesta has once again taken the title of Britain’s best selling car, with sales of 109,265. The Vauxhall Corsa took the runner-up spot, with sales of 89,434, and the Ford focus wasn’t far behind in third position, with 83,115 models finding homes.
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A number of carmakers are celebrating record sales totals, including Jaguar Land Rover, which sold 68,586 automobiles in 2012, up 19.17 percent on 2011; Kia, which sold 66,629 automobiles in 2012, 13,014 much more automobiles than it sold in 2011 and MG, which experienced 117 per cent sales growth in 2012, although this is on tiny sales volumes of 782 automobiles in 2012, up from 360 in 2011.
Reflecting recent problems, both Saab and Lotus experienced the largest sales falls, with Saab selling 232 automobiles in 2012, down 94 per cent from the 4,138 it sold in 2011, and Lotus selling 137 automobiles in 2012, down the 329 it sold in 2011.
2012 also saw the fastest growth in registrations because 2001. but despite the outstanding figures, the new automobile market was still an huge 14.9 per cent down on pre-recession levels in 2007 when sales reached 2.4 million units.
SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “Boosted by strong consumer demand, the market grew at its fastest rate for 11 years with innovative, fuel-efficient automobiles keeping buyers in showrooms. Looking ahead to 2013, we anticipate the market will hold firm.”
Top 10 best selling models in 2012:
 Car makeTotal sales
1.Ford Fiesta109,265
2.Vauxhall Corsa89,434
3.Ford Focus83,115
4.Vauxhall Astra63,023
5.Volkswagen Golf62,021
6.Nissan Qashqai45,675
7.BMW 3 Series44,521
8.Volkswagen Polo41,901
9.Mercedes C-Class37,261
10.BMW 1 Series34,488