USED car dealers are continuing to benefit from a slump in new car sales caused by the 'Rip-Off Britain' campaign and New Car Pricing inquiry, according to the latest CAP Confidence Index. The used car retail performance monitor reports used car sales averages were up 12.5% year-on-year across Britain in February, a dramatic improvement on January's figures, which saw a rise of almost 8%.

The north-east and London and the south-east had the best sales rises nationally, up 57.4% and 51.6% respectively. Only Yorkshire and Northern Ireland reported downturns, but even in these areas dealers believe their used car retail fortunes will improve during the next quarter. CAP Used Car Confidence Index spokesman Mike Hind said: 'The index confirms reports from its research teams that dealers believe the anti-new car campaign is driving many buyers into the used market, where they believe they will find better value for money.'

Small family cars and superminis remain the best sellers on the used market, with 36.8% and 37.1% of dealers reporting good sales performances in these sectors in February. Just 10% said large family car sales had been good, although 52.5% said medium and upper medium performances had been acceptable. Four-wheel-drive vehicles were also in demand: in January 44% of dealers reported 4x4 sales as acceptable or better. During February the figure rose to more than 65%.