New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal a steady growth in UK car manufacturing in May, with 119,338 cars built – a rise of 2.3%.

The strong domestic market once again played a significant part with a 13.3% increase outweighing a small dip in production for export.

The iIndustry is gearing itself up for a more prolonged period of growth in the mid- to long-term, as multi-billion pound investments will see new models hitting the production line, said the SMMT. 

Mike Hawes, its chief executive, said: “We have seen a steady performance in UK car manufacturing this year with volumes bolstered by a strong home market, while recovery in key European markets is helping to restore export production levels.

“Long-term, the picture is promising: ‘Built in Britain’ is still in high demand all over the world, with buyers attracted not only by iconic British brands but also by the high quality of our engineering.

"With a significant number of new models due to start production in the coming months, we anticipate a strong, sustained upturn in output volumes in the years ahead.”

Nissan's Sunderland assembly plant is adding production of the Infiniti Q30 this year, and a QX30 compact crossover in 2016. Jaguar has just launched its new XE model, built in Solihull, and will soon launch its new XF, and Toyota's Burnaston plant will build the revised Auris.