Car sales to date this year are already the highest in five years — as the motor trade continues to outstrip all expectations.

The introduction of the 142 number plate has seen car sales soar by more than 50% in July compared with the same month last year.

There was a 33% annualised increase in the sale of new cars last month, with 22,927 vehicles purchased.

New car sales plummeted almost two-thirds last year as the recession devastated the motor industry, it was revealed today.

A pay deal struck for motor trade workers was today hailed as a blueprint for future wage agreements.