A NORTH-EAST made car was one of the best-selling models across the UK last month as sales hit record levels, a report has said.

The Nissan Qashqai, made at the Japanese firm's Sunderland plant, was the fourth most popular in March.

The figure was revealed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which said new car sales, boosted by last month's new 15 number plates, have raced to a 21st century record.

It came as Nissan announced UK year-on-year sales for March lifted 22 per cent, thanks particularly to interest in its Qashqai and all-electric Leaf model, which both roll off its North-East production line.

According to the SMMT, 492,774 new UK-wide registrations were recorded last month, which was the highest monthly figure since August 1998, and the best March ever.

Last month's figure was 6.0 per cent up on March 2014 and took the year-so-far total to 734,588; a 6.8 per cent rise on the January to March 2014 figure.

Nissan said sales in March stood at 31,026, which was higher than the 25,529 it recorded the same time last year.

Bosses, who employ nearly 7,000 North-East workers, added it took the firm's year-to-date sales to 46,247, giving it an increased market share of 6.3 per cent.

Sales of its Qashqai went from 8,388 to 12,210, with the Leaf selling 1,254 models, compared to 630 a year ago.

According to the SMMT's report, sales of the Qashqai in March were only beaten by the Ford Fiesta, which topped the list, the Vauxhall Corsa and the Ford Focus.

The Volkswagen Golf and Polo also made the top ten, as did the Vauxhall Astra, Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Fiat 500.