New car sales look set to break last year's record, thanks to the continuing popularity of diesel, and surging sales in the supermini
class.

Car sales in 2002 look set to go beyond 2.5 million. This would break last year's record, previously the highest annual sales to date.

Diesel cars and superminis, the current consumer favourites, are among the sale leaders. Alan Pulham, franchised dealer director for the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) explains: 'We are on track to break last year's record thanks to the cars most popular with consumers. Diesel-engine cars and superminis are leading sales. They have been the
success story of 2002 and look set to help it become the best year ever.'