U.K. October Sales Buoyed by Small-Car Markets

New-car sales in the U.K. rose 2.6% in October to 134,944 units, marking the second increase in three months, but the year-to-date total was down 4.5% to 1,688,038.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says the market is on track to achieve a total 1.92 million deliveries this year. However, the group remains cautious with its 2012 outlook, forecasting sales to remain stable at 1.96 million units.

Ford Fiesta best-selling model in October and year-to-date.

“Consumer confidence remains fragile, and forecasts for U.K. gross domestic product growth have been revised down,” the SMMT says. “Like others, we look to government to shore up confidence and unlock growth.”

SMMT CEO Paul Everitt says October produced a positive result despite the region’s uncertain economic climate.

“Vehicle manufacturers and their dealer networks are working hard to offer consumers value for money through improved fuel efficiency, low-running costs and innovative finance,” Everitt says in a statement. “We expect market conditions to remain challenging.”

The SMMT says October sales were almost 9,000 units ahead of its forecast for the month, but volumes were nearly 20% below like-2007, prior to the global recession.

Sales in the last three months inched up 0.9% year-on-year, but for the last six months were down 1.5%. The SMMT says this period of relative stability follows a weak start to the year that left deliveries down 4.5% from prior-year.

October sales were buoyed by a sharp recovery in the small-car markets, with the supermini segment jumping 17.4% and the mini segment up 4.7%.

The Ford Fiesta was the best-selling model in both October, with 7,308 units and year-to-date, with 84,506.

Ford led October’s sales, up 13% to 18,476 units. Through the first 10 months, the auto maker’s deliveries were down 5.4% but it remained the market leader with 233,104 units.

General Motors’ Vauxhall subsidiary followed, with October sales up 0.24% to 16,008 units and year-to-date sales down 4.9% to 204,121.

SMMT data shows van and truck sales rose a combined 10.7% to 23,580 units in October. The result left 10-month van and truck sales up 18% at 252,884 units.

“The commercial-vehicle market remains buoyant,” Everitt says.“Efficiency is a key driver, as operators are investing in the latest models across almost every market sector to reap the rewards of greater load carrying ability and fuel economy.

“This solid performance is encouraging and reflects the progressive recovery in the new-truck market despite wider economic challenges.”