In total, 339, 200 new cars were registered last month, up 3.5% on the same period last year. 

New car registrations in the first quarter also increased to 773,700 vehicles, up 1.4% on 2011's figures. 

Contrary to this, German export figures for March fell by 5% to 417,400 vehicles as well as production line figures which took a significant 7% drop on March 2011. 

Matthias Wissmann, VDA president, said: "The German car market is in good shape. However, high fuel prices are putting the brakes on new business. The added burdens at the petrol pumps are souring consumer sentiment.'