The SMMT has released ONS data that shows car output by British-based manufacturers was up 4.6% year on year in July. The month's output puts growth at 1.2% for the year to July.

Export production in July rose by 9.5% in July and 7.8% year-to-date. The July total was 143,793 units, and the year-to-date total 998,363 units. July production for the home market eased slightly in July, following a big increase in June. Commenting on the new data, SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said, “July production shows an encouraging second straight month of growth. This marks the best July since 1999, on top of the 17.1% hike last year. The positive July performance has lifted year-to-date production by well over 10,000 units and output remains on course to meet a full year total of 1.65 million”.