Car sales hit highest level in four years Sales of new cars in the UK accelerated last year to the highest level since 2008, according to data compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which represents the UK car industry. More than 2m new cars were sold, 5.3 per cent more than in 2011 and the largest jump in percentage terms since 2001, as private buyers returned to the car showroom. Growth improved throughout the year with a 9.2 per cent rise in the final quarter. Sales in December rose 3.7 per cent compared with the same month in 2011. "More than 2m new cars were registered in the UK during 2012, up 5.3 per cent on the previous 12 months and the best result since recession struck in 2008," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. The UK overtook France to become the European Union's second-largest car market after Germany in December. Britain has been an outlier in the European car market and the car industry has been a bright spot in an otherwise flatlining UK economy. But the new car market was still 14.9 per cent below the pre-recession level when 2.4m cars were sold in 2007. Mr Everitt was upbeat about the outlook for this year, which SMMT forecasts will match 2012. "Looking ahead to 2013, we anticipate the market will hold firm, with manufacturers and dealers working hard to deliver quality and value to motorists," he said. Drivers are buying to replace existing cars and special offers have lured some to purchase new rather than second-hand models, the SMMT said. Demand was particularly strong for the Mini, up more than 50 per cent from 2011, and the Ford Fiesta, which retained its position as the best selling car, which it has held since 2009. Registrations of "green," or alternatively-fuelled, cars hit a new high in 2012, rising 9.4 per cent to 1.4 per cent of the car market.