British new car registrations rose to their highest level in 13 years last month, rising two per cent compared with a year ago to 189,505 units, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said on Friday.

The petrol car registrations rose 3.4 per cent from last year and 26.8 per cent for alternative-fuel vehicles. Diesel car registrations slipped slightly.

"Consumer confidence remains high as buyers continue to capitalise on attractive finance deals, although this could be affected by political and economic uncertainty in the coming months," SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said.-Reuters