Car sales in the UK increased 57% in November compared to the same month last year, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

New car sales have increased year-on-year in each of the past five months, helped largely by the impact of the government's scrappage scheme.

The scheme gives consumers £2,000 off a new car if they trade in a car that is at least ten years old. The money is equally provided by the government and the car manufacturer of the vehicle that is bought.

"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.