A VEHICLE made in the North-East was the top-selling model across the country in September – but the new car market has now weakened for a sixth consecutive month, according to latest industry figures.

The Nissan Qashqai, manufactured at the company’s Sunderland plant, recorded sales of 13,499 last month.

The figure meant the car, of which a refreshed version is now being made on Wearside, was ahead of the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Fiesta in the standings.

It also meant the Qashqai was the country’s fourth most popular car on year-todate sales, clocking 53,197.

The Fiesta remains the nation’s favourite, with 75,814 sales over the year.

The Nissan Juke, also made in Sunderland, was responsible for 7,757 sales in September, making it the UK’s eighth best-seller in the month.

However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said that while Nissan’s numbers were favourable, a little more than 426,000 new cars were registered in September overall, which was down 9.3 per cent on the same month a year ago.

The organisation blamed economic and political uncertainty, and confusion over air quality plans.