The number of new cars bought by consumers on finance provided through dealerships increased by 13% in July, compared with the same month last year.

The percentage of private new car sales financed by FLA members through dealerships in the twelve months to July reached 78.7%, up from 78.1% in the twelve months to June, according to figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA).

The point-of-sale consumer used car finance market also showed continued growth, with new business volumes up by 9% compared with July 2014.

Geraldine Kilkelly, head of research and chief economist at the FLA, said: “The point-of-sale consumer car finance market has continued to grow in line with expectations. With the latest new car registrations for August suggesting robust growth in demand, we expect new car finance volumes to continue to grow over the coming months.”