New car registrations rose by 2.6% in October to 134,944 units, the second increase in three months, figures from the SMMT show.

Download the full new car registration figures for October 2011 from the SMMT.

The increase, compared to the same month last year, means new car registrations over the first 10 months of 2011 were down 4.5% at 1,688,038 compared to 2010.

“Vehicle manufacturers and their dealer networks are working hard to offer consumers value for money through improved fuel efficiency, low running costs and innovative finance,” said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.

“We expect market conditions to remain challenging and hope the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement later this month will help to boost economic growth and consumer confidence.”

The market is on track to achieve full-year registrations of 1.923 million.