FIGURES just released show that Vauxhall overtook its main rival to become the best selling brand in the UK, taking a massive 15.7% of UK car registrations in August. Along with strong demand for the new Astra, the Corsa grabbed the top spot for supermini sales and Britain's favourite MPV, the Zafira, maintained its number one position. In total 13,328 new Griffin-branded cars hit the road last month, compared to the 10,203 of its nearest rival.

The feat is all the more impressive when compared to the overall UK car market, which dipped by 4.8% in August compared to last year. "This great result proves Vauxhall has the strongest line-up in years and we've got plenty more in store," said Kevin Wale, Vauxhall's chairman and managing director.

"The August registrations don't even include the first Tigras which are only now arriving with customers. And the new Astra outsold its competitors with just the five-door model available; we've got the full range to look forward to, with estates and the new high-performance diesels all due with the next few months."