A small-scale increase in sales was recorded among new car buyers, the latest figures from JATO Dynamics have shown.

According to the organisation’s latest market analysis data, May witnessed an annual increase in sales volumes of just 0.8 per cent in comparison to the same month in 2014, although the segment’s year-to-date results continued to be seven per cent higher.

The most popular models purchased across Europe during the month were shown to be the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio.

The top European new car manufacturer in May was Volkswagen, followed by Ford and Opel/Vauxhall.

Vice president of data at JATO Dynamics Brian Walters commented “The number of trading days can affect monthly volumes, disguising underlying trends.

“The fact that growth continued despite this, along with the strong year-to-date growth gives us reason to be confident about the health of the car market in Europe.”