Motoring with James Hunter: Top ten cars for May revealed by trade …

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported UK registrations totalled 145,204 units, with 13,013 in Scotland.

Petrol models remained the most popular new car last month – taking a 57.1 per cent share of the market – but the uptake of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure-electric models continued to grow.

According to the SMMT, pure-electric vehicles are now available in every market segment, with a total of more than 80 models.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes repeated his message that more has to be done to encourage motorists to choose electric cars.

He said: “After the difficult, Covid-constrained supply issues of the last few years, it’s good to see the new car market maintain its upward trend and the fact that growth is, increasingly, green growth is hugely encouraging.

“Transforming the market nationwide, however, and at an even greater pace means we must increase demand and help any reticent driver overcome any concerns about electric vehicles.

“This will require every stakeholder – including government, chargepoint operators and energy companies – to play their part, accelerating investment to drive decarbonisation.”

UK top 10 in May: 1, Ford Puma, 4,184; 2, Nissan Qashqai, 3,140; 3, Vauxhall Mokka, 3,066; 4, Vauxhall Corsa, 3,028; 5, Audi A3, 3,018; 6, Hyundai Tucson, 2,712; 7, Volvo XC40, 2,699; 8, Nissan Juke, 2,534; 9, Tesla Model Y, 2,509; 10, Toyota Yaris, 2,484.

Scottish top 10 in May: 1, Mokka, 347; 2, Ford Fiesta, 327; 3, A3, 321; 4, Ford Focus, 309; 5, Juke, 305; 6, Kia Sportage, 302; 7, MG HS, 265; 8, XC40, 261; 9, Puma, 241; 10, Qashqai, 238.

Figures from SMMT