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New car sales surge again

NEW CAR sales have risen again in September thanks to rapid growth in demand from private buyers, according to statistics released today. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that a rise of 16.7% in the private sector helped to drive a ‘super September’ that saw overall sales rise by almost 11% over the same month last year. The new 63 registration plate has helped drive customers to showrooms across the country, with the latest breed of fuel-efficient, smooth and quiet petrol engines selling particularly strongly.

Jaguar Land Rover reveals huge profits growth

Jaguar Land Rover has reported half-year profits have broken the £1 billion barrier, with profit before tax of £1.083 billion marking a massive 42% year-on-year increase. Profits in the last three months alone were £668 million, said the firm. MORE new British jobs for Jaguar Land Rover Range Rover: why it is already battling Bentley The strong results are thanks to continued sales growth for the two British luxury car brands: sales over the past three months increases 21% to 102,644 cars – beating even the half-year sales rise of 16% to just over 197,000 vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz courts Renault for new Smart model based on Twingo

Mercedes-Benz is set to join forces with Renault in a deal aimed at providing its underdeveloped Smart division with a contemporary-engineered front-engine/front-wheel-drive platform as the basis for a frugal new Forfour model. The new Smart, due out in 2013, is planned to sit on a lightly modified version of the Renault Twingo’s underpinnings, complete with a 93.3-inch wheelbase. Speaking about the new car over the weekend, a highly placed Mercedes-Benz official told AutoWeek: “It’s a key component in plans to grow the Smart brand.