Car Sales Jump 12% in U.K.

Registrations of new passenger vehicles in the U.K. climbed to 143,600 units in January from 128,900 units a year earlier, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reports.

January marked Britain's 11th consecutive month of year-on-year gains.

Ford's Fiesta (7,900 units) and Focus (5,800 units) were the U.K.'s top-sellers in January, followed by Opel's Astra (5,500 units) and Corsa (5,200 units).

U.K. demand for commercial vehicles rose 6% to 18,900 units last month. A 12% gain in van registrations (16,000 units) was mostly offset by a 20% drop in truck volume (2,900 units).

The SMMT raised its annual forecasts, based on the year's strong start. The group predicts British registrations will edge up 1% to 2.06 million units in 2013 and grow 3% to 2.11 million units in 2014.