The UK's new car sector showed signs of improvement last month, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The figures revealed an 11.5 per cent annual upturn in registrations to 143,643 units in January 2013, with growth in the private and small car vehicle sectors both helping to build demand among buyers and ensuring petrol vehicle sales saw an increased share of the market.

Interim chief executive at the SMMT Mike Baunton commented: "Building on a strong performance in 2012, SMMT has increased its market forecast – we anticipate a modest rise over the year, followed by further growth in 2014."

The news follows last month's publication of SMMT data, which revealed a 5.9 per cent downturn in registrations for commercial vehicles in the UK during 2012, with former chief executive Paul Everitt noting at the time that 2013 should hopefully be a better year for sales.

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