New car and light truck registrations surged 18.3 percent during the first half of the year, nearly doubling the 9.9-percent national increase, the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association said Friday.

Registrations in June rose 26.1 percent, according to a monthly report from the Denver association, which represents 245 new car and truck dealers statewide.

"The outlook for vehicle registrations in Colorado continues a very positive trend and supports consumers' sustained demand for new cars and trucks," Tim Jackson, president of the association, said. "Plus, sales are bolstered by the availability of low interest rates and an uptick in consumer confidence."

More than 73,660 new vehicles were registered from January through June 2012 vs. about 62,300 during the same period last year, the association said.

Meanwhile, the used vehicle market, defined as vehicles seven years old or newer, increased 3.3 percent the first half of the year. Used vehicle registrations went from almost 78,300 to nearly 80,900.

The major brands that saw the largest sales increases were Chrysler, Mercedes, Jeep and Volkswagen. Their sales grew a combined 30 percent.