UK car production increased by 21% to 102,591 units in December for the sixth consecutive monthly rise.

Paul Everitt, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive, said: "December recorded the sixth consecutive month of growth in car production. The final quarter also saw the strongest increase in output since 1985, up 21.7%.

"We ended the year up 92,482 units, with record levels being sent for export."

Everitt added that the 1.5 million cars and three million engines produced in the UK each year reinforced the UK's strength and breadth as a global manufacturing base.