New car production figures took an 11.8% dive in February to 115,651 units.

Year-to-date production figures for new cars also showed a 4.2% dip, according to the latest figures from the SMMT.

Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive, said: "With car production ceased at Peugeot and a model changeover at Toyota's facility, it comes as no surprise that we have seen a fall in volume during February.

"Exports continue to form the majority of vehicles produced and all indications are that the full year forecast is still on course to achieve greater output than last year."

Vehicle production – February 2007