New car sales recorded their biggest increase so far this year in October, but fleet sales still remain stagnant, according to the SMMT’s latest figures.

The SMMT said 168,942 new cars were registered last month, an increase of 31.6% compared with October 2008.

However, the number of new cars registered to fleets was down 1% at 79,410 units compared to 80,204 units in October 2008.

The SMMT said the scrappage scheme had accounted for more than 20% of the new car sales.

“October has seen this year’s biggest monthly increase in registrations with the successful scrappage scheme accounting for over 20% of them,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.

“We have seen additional demand created by the extension of the scheme and customers wanting to avoid the VAT increase planned for January. Encouragingly, there has also been an increase in demand in the fleet and business sectors, which will be critical in sustaining recovery next year.”

For full analysis of the figures see the next edition of Fleet News.