Data revealed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has confirmed that October saw the biggest rise in car sales for the year, on the back of Government's scrappage scheme. The 31.6% jump in new registrations has been the biggest for the whole year.

According to the figures posted, nearly 168,942 new car registrations were taken out during the last month, a significant rise as compared to last year October when the figure stood at 128,352. Also, private buyer sales saw 86% increase.

SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt said, "October has seen this year's biggest monthly increase in registrations, with the successful scrappage scheme accounting for over 20% of them."

Under the scrappage scheme, owners of vehicles which are 10 years or older are being offered a ?2,000 discount on any new model they want to buy, by trading their old vehicle. Sale of fleet cars, however, recorded a 2% fall as there are slim chances of company cars being old enough to qualify for the scheme.