Sales of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles increased last month, bucking the trend, as an overall slump in new car registrations of 17.5 per cent was recorded.

Figures for August released today by the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a second drop in car sales, following 12 successive months of growth.

But industry experts are predicting that the motor trade remains on course to enjoy a better year than in 2009.

Just over 55,000 vehicles were sold last month, compared with 67,000 for the previous August – but the scrappage scheme was in place last year and this boosted sales by 25 per cent.

Sales of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles rose by 11 and two per cent respectively, while Mini registrations dropped by 17 per cent.

The arrival of the new Countryman crossover is expected to give Mini a boost next month.

There was also better news for the luxury end of the UK car market: Aston Martin’s sales were up by 65 per cent, while Bentley more than doubled its sales for August last year.

Manufacturers like Hyundai, Suzuki and Kia, who did very well out of the scrappage scheme, recorded some of the biggest drops, with Hyundai registrations down by 60 per cent.

The Ford Fiesta was the best selling car during August.