New car registrations were up 57.6% in November compared to 2008 figures, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders (SMMT).

That equated to 158,082 units, which is in line with November 2007 volumes.

However, year-to-date registrations were down 8.8% at 1,844,063 units, with the full year market likely to exceed 1.975 million units.

The SMMT also revealed that the scrappage scheme accounted for 21.6% of all new car registrations in November, with business, fleet and private sales all up.

“The increase in new car registrations in November reflects the positive impact of the Scrappage Incentive Scheme, customers avoiding the VAT increase in January and the very difficult conditions we experienced a year ago,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.

“SMMT is urging government to use its Pre-Budget Report to sustain the recovery and generate business confidence by stimulating demand in key parts of the new vehicle market.”