Car manufacturing the UK has reached a record high due to ongoing positive export performance.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show during March a total of 170,691 cars were produced in the UK – the highest level in 17 years.
Export demand is believed to be behind the rise, with 130,838 cars shipped overseas – a rise of 10.6 per cent on the previous amount in February.
Since the start of the year, the UK has produced 471,695 new cars – a total of 33,305 more than produced at the same point in 2016.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of SMMT, explained: "UK car manufacturing is accelerating thanks to billions of pounds of investment committed over the past few years.
"A large proportion are the latest low emission diesels and it’s essential for future growth and employment that we encourage these newer, cleaner diesels onto UK roads and avoid penalising consumers who choose diesel for its fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions."
He added: "Much of our output goes to Europe and it’s vital we maintain free trade between the UK and EU or we risk destroying this success story."