VOLVO claims to be the only premium car brand to have experienced a genuine increase in sales during2009.

With a total of 34,857 cars registered, the Swedish manufacturer bucked the trend with a 4.49 per cent increase in a total market down by 6.4 per cent.

'This shows how customers are recognising Volvo's blend of quality products at competitive prices. Our environmentally conscious DRIVe range has also hit the mark,' said managing director Peter Rask.

Low emission DRIVe versions now account for most sales of C30, S60, S40 and V50 models.

'I think Volvo is in the best possible position as we enter another challenging year as we welcome more exciting new models,' said Mr Rask.

Consistent growth in the last four months of 2009 allowed Land Rover to post a 93 per cent rise in sales.

'Overall sales for the year were down by 10.8 per cent but strong business in the second half shows some stability is returning to the market place.

'Last year was very hard for the motor industry, particularly in the premium segment, but we made some tough decisions to weather the storm. Now we are looking forward to building on our outstanding success in the last quarter,' said managing director John Edwards.