Car Sales Climb 9% in U.K.

New-car registrations in the U.K. advanced for the 30th consecutive month in August, with year-on-year volume rising 9% to 72,200 units, reports the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Sales for the year to date were 1.53 million units, up 10%. SMMT predicts more modest growth in the months ahead as the market "finds its natural level."

August is normally one of the market's slowest months, accounting for only 3% of annual volume. The U.K.'s most popular models were, as usual, the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra, which collectively accounted for 17% of the total market.