UK car production is building momentum with an increase of 11.7% in the first half of the year to 450,168 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers Traders (SMMT).

The performance represented the best first half since 2021 as manufacturers were increasingly able to manage global supply chain challenges – notably the shortage of semiconductors – that had constrained production since the pandemic.

The news comes a week after the announcement of the development of a massive new £4 billion gigafactory for the UK, helping anchor EV production for JLR.

Since January, factories have produced an additional 47,037 units, the uplift having been driven by exports which have surged 13.6% to 359,940 units, representing eight-in-ten cars made.

Volumes for the UK are up too, rising 4.5% to 90,228 units.