Car sales accelerate 2%

New-car sales in Britain rocketed by more than 20% last month as the motor industry celebrated a record year.

Nearly 200,000 cars were sold in October in defiance of predictions of an economic downturn - the fifth record month of 2001.

‘‘This is going to be the best year ever for car sales in Britain and it will be an all-time record,’’ said a spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which released the figures.

‘‘It is very positive that in a year when we have seen business suffering from an attack of the jitters, the car market is rocketing.’’

The most popular car this year has been the Ford Focus, closely followed by the Vauxhall Astra and the Peugeot 206.

Other big sellers included the Vauxhall Corsa, the Ford Mondeo and the Renault Clio.

Some manufacturers recorded huge rises last month - Jaguar sales were up 120% due to the launch of the new X-type, while MG Rover sales rose by more than 50%.

Sales of diesel cars were also up 36% as consumers rebelled against the duty on petrol, the spokesman said.

SMMT chief executive Christopher MacGowan said: ‘‘While some analysts had predicted a slump, with claims that showroom traffic had slowed to a trickle, the reality has proved to be quite the opposite.

‘‘We have seen huge market growth, once again led by private buyers.

‘‘Consumers are confident, there’s no doubt about that. They know a good deal when they see one and there are plenty of those at franchised dealers at the moment.’’