NEW car sales have levelled off but a vehicle made in the North-East remains one of the country’s most popular models, a report has revealed.

Demand lifted by just 0.1 per cent last month, with 178,523 vehicles rolling off forecourts.

The figure was marginally higher than the 178,420 bought in the same period last year.

The numbers, released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), include the Sunderland-made Nissan Qashqai, which recorded sales of 4,527 last month and 38,183 for the year-to-date. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “After a healthy start to 2016 and record registrations in 2015, the market is showing signs of cooling.

"The automotive market is a vital part of the British economy and it is important the Government delivers the economic conditions that instil business and consumer confidence.

"With low interest rates, attractive finance options and exciting new models coming to the showrooms, the market still has lots to offer.”

He added 1,599,159 new cars have been registered this year, putting demand in the year-to-date 2.8 per cent higher than 12 months ago.

According to the SMMT figures, the Ford Fiesta is the UK’s most popular car, with 71,823 sales for the year-to-date, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Focus.

The Qashqai was fifth on the list.

The vehicle is made at Nissan’s Wearside plant alongside the Juke and Note hatchbacks, the all-electric Leaf and the Infiniti Q30, which carries Nissan’s luxury sister brand’s marque.

The Northern Echo previously exclusively revealed Sunderland work on the Note is due to stop by the end of the year, with the company focusing on a French-made Micra to fill its place in the market.