Record March Sales in U.K.

New-car registrations in the U.K. surged 6% to 492,800 units in March, the best month ever, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The trade group attributes growth to new products, low interest rates and attractive financing plans. Fleet sales led the increase, rising 12% year on year to 219,200. Sales to private buyers grew 3% to 253,000 units.

The Ford Fiesta small car remained the market leader by a wide margin in March, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa , Ford Focus, Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Golf.