After a decline that has lasted over three months, fleet industry registrations increased by 4.8% in May, with year-to-date registrations all but set to exceed last year's figure as we cross over into the second half of the year. Fleet industry market share for both May (-1.6%) and year-to-date (-1.3%) were both in decline as was the business Business sector (YTD -1.2% / May: -0.8%).

One noticeable change saw the Vauxhall Corsa@PREVIEWEND@ overtake the Ford Focus as the best-selling model across all sectors during May, however year-to-date, the Fiesta occupies a 24% lead on the Corsa, it's closest competitor in second place. 

'May’s 7.9% increase in new car registrations is good news for the motor industry and the UK economy, particularly the steady growth in demand from private buyers,' said Paul Everitt (Inset), SMMT chief executive. 'There is no doubt that vehicle manufacturers and their dealer networks are working hard to deliver value for money to motorists and the consistent climb in new car registrations during the first five months of the year suggests that confidence is returning, despite financial uncertainty in the eurozone,' he added.