Car Sales Pace Slows in U.K.

Registrations of new passenger vehicles in the U.K. advanced to 178,400 units in July from 172,900 units a year earlier, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The modest 3% year-on-year gain compares with 13% growth in June and 7% in the first half of the year. The best-selling vehicle types this year are superminis and SUV/crossovers.

SMMT, which notes demand reached a record high in the first half of 2015, says sales are likely to slow to "more stable growth" in the second half.