The European new car market has had a strong first six months of 2014 according to the latest analysis from Jato Dynamics.

Sales growth of 4.3% in June meant year-on-year sales increased for the 10th consecutive month.

The UK posted a 120,000-unit increase over the first half of 2013, while across Europe all of the top 10 brands increase sales compared with the first half of last year.

Overall, 24 of the 30 countries analysed recorded year-to-date increases in volumes compared to the same period last year, including Europe's top five markets (France, Germany, the UK, Italy and Spain).

The Volkswagen Golf remains Europe's top selling model, with year-to-date growth of 14.2%, with the Ford Fiesta as the second best selling model of 2014.

Gareth Hession, vice-president of research at Jato Dynamics, said: "Overall it has been a very positive first half of the year for the European new car market.

"Year-to-date growth of 5.8% and 10 consecutive months of sales increases are fantastic achievements in the current economic climate. These trends suggest that the industry has every chance of extending this level of performance for the remainder of 2014."