Car manufacturing picks up pace in March
UK car production rose 12% in March to 142,158 units, bringing year-to-date growth to 2.9%.
European demand also strengthened, with almost 80% of cars manufactured for global export markets.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, described the growth as a 'significant step forward' after a period of product changes at the start of the year.
He continued: "After several years in the doldrums, European demand for new cars is now picking up with growth in the last seven months. This is a welcome boost for the UK's volume manufacturers for whom Europe is the key market.
"As new models are launched and investments realised, the sector remains on course for all-time record levels of output by 2017."
