New car sales in the...

New car sales in the UK rose for the first time in 2006 last month, to the delight of showroom bosses – but their joy may be short-lived, warn industry experts. Compared to the same period 12 months ago, the market increased 1.1 per cent to 190,002 units for May, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

“It has been a tough year, but the industry is proving to be resilient,” said SMMT chief Christopher MacGowan. Yet despite the buoyant start to the summer, analysts are predicting a serious slowdown through June and July, due to the public’s attention being diverted by the football World Cup. A spokesman for trade bible Glass’s Guide said: “Major sporting events can dominate recreational time, and may defer the buying process to a later date.”