The data shows that the European market increased by 1.4% in February 2011, and by 0.2% YtD – the first YtD increase since June 2010. In fact  the majority of European markets experienced an increase in sales during February, with the exception of Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, which were down 10.2%, 58.2%, 20.6%, 12.7% and 25.8% YtD respectively.

Volkswagen dominated the top 10 brands list, with the Golf in the number one spot for models. In second place was Renault's Clio, helped by a record French market buoyed by deliveries of cars ordered before the ending of the country's scrappage scheme in December 2010.

Commenting on the findings, Gareth Hession, vice president, research, said: 'While certain segments of the market remain below their scrappage-funded highs of a year ago, the market is showing some positive signals. The strength in sales of the new Passat, as well as the face-lifted Opel/Vauxhall Astra and Corsa models, demonstrates the importance of investment in new products.'