The UK market may be reaching the bottom of a shallow downturn, according to JD Power.

Sales, one per cent higher than in May 2005, could be the first indicator of a reversal of fortune, though a recovery call would probably be premature.

‘Consumer confidence continues to waiver while spending projections show only a small gain this year. As a result of declines that have already taken place, we expect a fall of between four per cent and five per cent for full-year 2006,’ says JD Power.