UK vehicle production was down by 15.2% in April and down 7.8% in April year to date.

Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive, said: “The late Easter break accounted for some of April's losses.

“Inevitably, the focus with manufacturing falls to the number of cars that roll off the line. However, Ford has announced further expansion of engine production at its Bridgend plant, investing £100 million and creating 250 new jobs. This is good news from the automotive sector, and we need to shout about it.”