VEHICLES made in the North-East helped new car sales in January rise to an 11-year high, figures have revealed.

Nissan’s Qashqai and Juke models, produced at the firm’s Sunderland plant, were pivotal to pushing total UK registrations to 169,678.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the number was the highest figure since January 2005.

According to its results, the Qashqai enjoyed sales of 4,839 last month, while the Juke clocked up 3,446.

The best-selling model was the Ford Fiesta, with 8,353 sales.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “January’s solid performance puts the new car sector in a good position to start the year.

“Providing consumer confidence remains strong, we expect a more stable 12 months ahead, broadly similar to 2015, which was a record year.”

Mr Hawes added Volkswagen sales fell in the wake of the diesel emissions scandal, while other VW brands struggled, with Seat registrations down 24.6 per cent and Skoda dropping 2.4 per cent.

However, there was better news for Audi, which experienced a 1.4 per cent year-on-year rise.

Nissan’s Qashqai and Juke are made at the Japanese firm’s Wearside factory alongside the Note and all-electric Leaf.

The base has also started manufacturing the Q30, a luxury model designed by sister marque Infiniti.