New car sales have risen for the second successive month as the Government's "cash for bangers" car-scrappage continues to boost the motor industry.

A total of 67,006 new cars were registered in August 2009, a 6.0% increase on the August 2008 total, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt added: "This is welcome news for the UK motor industry.

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"The scrappage incentive scheme is having a positive impact but with consumer and business confidence still fragile, there remain significant risks ahead. It is essential that these early signs of recovery are sustained into 2010."