Vauxhall AstraAUGUST might have been the wettest weather on record, but nothing could put a dampener on Vauxhall sales.

Figures just released show that Vauxhall overtook its main rival to become the best selling automotive brand in the UK and took a massive 15.7 per cent of all UK car registrations last month.

"This definitely proves that we're one step ahead of the nearest competition," said Kevin Wale, Vauxhall Motors' chairman and managing director.

"The quality of our range is right in tune with all British car buyers by offering style and great driving excitement along with great value for money."

Along with strong demand for the new Astra, for which there are already 28,000 sold orders in the UK, the Corsa grabbed the top spot for super mini sales and Britain's favourite MPV, the Zafira, maintained its number one position again.

In total 13,328 new Griffin-branded cars hit the road last month, compared to the 10,203 of its nearest rival.

The feat is all the more impressive when compared to the overall UK car market, which dipped by 4.86 per cent in August compared to last year.

And it's not just the Vauxhall car range which has proved such a hit with buyers.

Massive contracts have been won with Britain's biggest companies to supply commercial vehicle fleets at the expense of our competitors.

Adding car and van total sales together, Vauxhall still beats its main rival for the first time ever.

"This great result proves Vauxhall has the strongest line up in years, and we've got plenty more in store," said Kevin Wale.

"The August registrations don't even include the first Tigras which will be arriving with customers in the next few weeks.

"And the new Astra outsold its competitors with just the five-door model available.

"We've got the full range to look forward to, with estates, the sport hatch and the new high-performance diesels all due within the next few months."