China's car sales maintained their growth pace in 2024 as sales of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in the world's largest auto market hit a record high amid a brutal price war and with subsidised trade-ins for greener vehicles driving purchases.

New car sales hit 1.95 million in 2024; EVs take 19.6 per cent share; Ford Puma is Britain’s best selling car, Volkswagen is Britain’s favourite car brand

The electrified car market in China is growing rapidly and is expected to surpass combustion vehicle sales by 2025, ten years earlier than planned.

The retailer recorded sales of $5 billion for the 13 weeks to Dec. 28, up 5.6% compared with the year-earlier period, and said it is confident in making progress in 2025.

Marks & Spencer Group Plc said sales records were broken this Christmas as shoppers stocked up on its festive food ranges and party clothes and knitwear.

Britain's Marks & Spencer reported a better-than-expected 8.9% rise in like-for-like food sales and a 1.9% rise in clothing, home and beauty in the Christmas trading period, making it one of the best performers on the high street.

Sales were up in its third quarter and over the Christmas season for British supermarket chain Tesco compared to the same period of the previous year. Tesco reported on Thursday that its third quarter retail like-for-like sales excluding value-added tax (VAT) and fuel increased by 2.

Australia retail activity jumped in November, supported by Black Friday sales and widespread discounting ahead of Christmas.

Australian retail sales had the biggest increase in 10 months in November as Black Friday discounting drew cost-conscious shoppers, but even so they missed forecasts suggesting consumer demand remains subdued.

Australian Retailers Association's Chief Industry Officer Fleur Brown says Black Friday sales were a “big winner” for retail sales last year.