CAR production figures for September are the best for the month for five years. Output grew to 155,321 units, the highest since 1999 when the annual total reached 1.8 million units.

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) chief executive, Christopher Macgowan, said: ‘September car production figures reflect positive results, achieving the highest output levels in five years. It is encouraging to see output for the home market rise, although the focus remains export based and seven out of 10 cars are destined for outside the UK.’