UK sales of the Cowley-built Mini rose by more than 75 per cent in April over the same month in 2009, latest figures have revealed.

The statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show 2,869 cars were sold, compared to 1,633 for April last year.

And for the first four months of 2010, 13,896 cars have been sold compared to 10,107 for the same period last year, a rise of 37 per cent.

Globally, figures produced by BMW show 67,250 cars have been sold up to the end of April, a rise of 10.4 per cent year on year.

BMW sales and marketing board member Ian Robertson said: “We are in an excellent position and remain confident for the next months.

“However, it remains to be seen how resilient and sustainable the economic upturn will be in the markets.”