U.K. Car Sales Increase 11%

Registrations of new vehicles in the U.K. climbed to 180,100 units last month from 162,300 units in May 2012, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

May marked Britain's 15th consecutive month of year-on-year sales gains. Analysts note that car deliveries there have been buoyed by 0% finance deals and hefty discounts.

U.K. sales to individuals jumped 21% to 84,200 vehicles last month, the highest level for any May since 2005, SMMT says. Purchases by fleets and businesses increased moderately.

In the first five months of 2013, the country's registrations expanded 9% to 948,700 units. The strongest growth has been in the minicar segment.