UK car production was up 13.1% year-on-year in February, driven by an uplift in export numbers.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that 69,707 cars were made last month, with 81.2% of those destined for overseas markets.

Almost 60% of those exported went to the European Union, by far the biggest market for UK-made vehicles.

Smaller numbers headed for Japan, Australia and Turkey – offsetting a decline in the number destined for China and the US.

Overall, exports rose 11.5% while domestic output was up 20.3%.

Hybrid, plug-in and battery electric vehicle output was up by 72.2% – two in every five cars made during the month.

The SMMT noted that the numbers were buoyed by an easing of supply chain shortages – particularly of semi-conductors – which have hurt the global car manufacturing industry since the early months of 2021.

New Royal Mail strike dates loom if last ditch talks on pay and change fail

£21bn of public money lost in fraud since COVID pandemic began and most will never be recovered

‘Poised to act’ – Environment campaigners could take government to court if it fails to meet carbon emissions targets

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “February’s growth in UK car production signposts an industry on the road to recovery.

“The fundamentals of the sector are strong; a highly skilled workforce, engineering excellence, a sector that is embracing new electrified vehicle manufacturing and wide ranging capabilities in the EV supply chain.

“To take advantage of global opportunities, however, we must scale up at pace and make the UK the most attractive destination for automotive investment by addressing trading and fiscal costs and delivering low carbon, affordable energy.”

Related posts:

Carillion liquidators advance £250m claim against auditor KPMG All countries on red list to be removed as ‘less effective’ in slowing Omicron Surging inflation could dwarf other issues in the political landscape as households feel the strain PlayStation maker Sony in shares slump after Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard swoop Oil prices fall as Shanghai lockdown prompts expectations of a fall in demand Macron’s re-election, another jump in house prices, and businesses supporting Ukraine Former Cameron aide Silva’s Second Home races to avert collapse Ministers further dilute audit reform plans after private sector backlash Rising cost of living hits maritime communities like Plymouth hard Threat of Go-Ahead bus disruption as company manages ‘cyber security incident’ Wasps rugby club likely to ‘enter administration in coming days’ Former Co-op chief Whitfield is frontrunner to run revamped Matalan