Six manufacturers bucked the downturn in sales last year by increasing their volumes.

Smart, profiting from the growing green trend, saw the sharpest rise at 43.4%, while Dodge increased 19.4% and Volvo almost 11%.

Jaguar, no doubt helped by XF sales, buoyed up 8.73%, Kia rose 6.65% and Chevrolet saw a fractional increase of 0.09%.

Chevrolet attributed its success to the launch of two new models, the Aveo supermini and the four-door Epica family saloon.

Chevrolet UK managing director Mark Terry said: “The 2008 figures represent a great result for Chevrolet and show that in a challenging economic climate consumers put value for money first.

He added that the new Cruze in 2009 would consolidate Chevrolet’s success.