New car registrations in Scotland for June totalled 21,576 units.

This records a significant increase of 12.06% over the results for June 2014 of 19,254, year to date the results are also encouraging showing an increase of 1.85% on the first six months for 2014.

Sandy Burgess, Chief Executive of the Scottish Motor Trade Association commented, "Clearly we are delighted to see that new car registrations within Scotland have produced significant growth not only for the month of May, but also for the first six months of the year. SMTA members are reporting good levels of footfall from deal savvy consumers who, whilst knowing what they want, are quick to recognise the exceptional value offers available across the new car spectrum.

The market appears to be shifting towards smaller more fuel efficient cars with the top ten selling slots being dominated by smaller cars which in turn account for the majority of the growth seen in these latest results."

Richard Jones, Managing Director, Black Horse one of the UK's leading motor finance providers and part of Lloyds Banking Group, on the SMMT June new car registration figures which were issued this morning.

He said: "This month's record results demonstrate the strength of the UK motor industry. However we are likely to see a slower rate of growth over the summer months until the September plate change when the industry should fare well. Factors for continued prosperity in the motor car industry include continued strong business confidence as they upgrade their fleet, rising level of household income coinciding with manufacturers and dealers offering competitively priced cars and finance offers.

"Continued low interest rates have also played a role on car sales and we would also expect to see increased use of car finance in the second half of 2015 by potential car buyers.

New car registrations up 7.0% in first half of 2015 to 1,376,889 - the highest half-year performance on record.

British buyers choosing more British vehicles: UK-built cars make up highest proportion of new registrations in five years.

June marks record 40th consecutive month of growth, with registrations up 12.9% in the month.

Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that registrations of new cars in the UK grew 7.0% in the first half of 2015 to the highest half-year total on record.

1,376,889 cars were registered between January and June - higher than the previous record of 1,376,565 in the same period in 2004. Buyers' appetite for British-built cars is on the increase, meanwhile, with 13.9% (around one in six) choosing a UK-manufactured vehicle so far this year - the highest level in five years.

Low interest rates and attractive finance deals, combined with a wealth of new models featuring the latest technologies, have continued to encourage consumers to purchase new cars.

June marked the 40th consecutive month of growth in the market with a 12.9% increase in the month to 257,817 units. A significant feature of recent months has been a strong surge in demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles, and this was once again the case in June with volumes rising 70.9%. Fleet registrations continue to drive the growth, although registrations to private customers remain strong.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, "It is still a great time to buy a new car in the UK, and it is encouraging to see more consumers choosing British models. This is important for the wider economy with 799,000 people now employed across the UK automotive sector, including retail. We anticipate a flatter second half of the year as the market finds its natural running rate."