Car sales driven up to 179,000 by SSIAs

CAR-BUYERS purchased a staggering 179,000 new cars last year as generous SSIA savings bonuses poured into the economy.

Sales of new cars in 2006 were up 4.1% on the year before, with Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen the most popular three marques.

Motor industry experts said the figures — alongside a 20.6% hike in sales of lorries — were proof of a buoyant economy.