UK new car registrations rose 12.1% to 151,252 units in October, bucking current demand trends in Europe.

The new car market has increased 5.0% over the year-to-date, growing in all but one month, totalling 1,771,861 units representing an increase of 83,823 units on a year ago.

Petrol, diesel and alternatively-fuelled vehicle markets posted strong growth in the month and over the year-to-date, with most vehicle segments growing as well, notably small car and dual purpose segments.

SMMT has revised up its forecast for the full year to over two million units, from 1.94 million in 2011.

"Despite uncertainty in the European economy, the UK new car market continues to grow, with registrations rising more than 12% in October to 151,252 units," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "It is encouraging to see the alternatively-fuelled vehicle market performing strongly, up 13% so far this year. Although the alternatively-fuelled vehicle sector represents only a small share of the overall market, it is vital that government sustains its consumer incentive programme and maximises the benefits available through the vehicle taxation system."