UK new car sales continue to rise but at slower pace

Signs of weakening demand from some business and private customers as new vehicle registrations increase 2.5% in May

New car sales in the UK have continued to grow but at a slower pace than previous months amid signs of falling demand from some business and private customers.

New car registrations in May rose 2.5% compared with last year to 203,585, the highest for the month since 2002, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). But the trade group noted growth had eased off with May marking the second month running when car registrations rose by less than 3%.