Sales of new cars are up for the first time this year, according to figures produced by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The new car market saw a 1.1 per cent increase in May, compared with the previous year.

A total of 190,002 units were sold during the month, the industry figures revealed.

There were also strong figures produced in the UK diesel vehicle market, with diesel's market share hitting a record high for the month of May.

Diesel's share of the UK new car market rose to 37.9 per cent.

"In what is proving to be a competitive market, the rise in May figures reflects a small upturn in consumer confidence," said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan.

"We hope that easing fuel prices, a burst of better weather and a strong England performance in Germany will be reflected in new car sales in the coming weeks."

Year-to-date numbers were still 4.3 per cent down on last year with a 2006 total of 1,022,414 units sold, but the recent upturn will encourage producers.

Mr Macgowan added: "It has been a tough year so far but the industry is proving to be resilient."

Ÿ Adfero Ltd