Car output rose for the 13th consecutive month, up 22.2% in July and 15.1% for the year-to-date while CV output stabilised down 1.3% in the month with a 7.7% fall for the first seven months.

UK engine production was up 0.3% over the year, with a narrow 1.9% downturn in the month.

"Car manufacturing continued to perform well, with output up more than 22% for the month and 15% for the year-to-date," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "While uncertainty in Europe remains a challenge, the £6 billion investment committed to the UK in the last two years delivers long-term growth opportunities and the latest figures show that our products have enormous global appeal."