Car sales have achieved their longest-ever period of growth with another rise last month.

A total of 194,032 new cars were registered in the UK last month – 7.7% up on May 2013, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Last month's increase was the 27th consecutive monthly rise – beating the previous record of 26 months of growth between May 1987 and June 1989.

Sales so far this year have reached 1,058,974 – 11.6% up on January to May 2013.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: 'The new car market has now grown in every month since March 2012 – the longest period of growth on record and a reflection of the UK's ever-improving economic conditions.

'Over the past 27 months, increasingly-confident consumers have been drawn to some fantastic new products, attracted by innovative technologies, improved fuel economy and competitive deals helping make a new car more affordable.'

The SMMT is forecasting an overall rise of about 6% over the year. The top three models last month were Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Corsa.