Sales of the Cowley-built Mini fell in the UK by more than 12 per cent in September, latest figures have revealed.

Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show 7,567 cars found buyers compared to 8,634 in the same month last year. It is the third successive month of sales falls.

But the 32,820 cars sold so far this year means the company is still ten per cent ahead of the equivalent 2009 figure.

Experts at the SMMT said the effects of the withdrawal of the scrappage scheme which saw drivers offered £2,000 off the price of a new vehicle provided they traded in their own car of ten years old or more, were still being felt.

The SMMT said that, with the effects of scrappage excluded, the September 2010 total was was 16.3 per cent ahead of September 2009 and on a par with September 2008.

Chief executive Paul Everitt added: "Despite an 8.9 per cent fall in September registrations, demand for new cars has stabilised and will end 2010 slightly up on last year.

"It is important that, alongside the Government's austerity measures, the comprehensive spending review signals a strong growth agenda to boost consumer and business confidence."

Last month it was revealed 140 agency staff are to be axed at the plant in November with Saturday morning production being halted after managers admitted “a good deal of uncertainty” was affecting the motor industry.

The Mini was the seventh best-selling car in the UK in September and bosses will be hoping sales will soon be boosted by the recent introduction of the new Austrian-built Countryman model.