Car production increased by 19.7% in January, which is the seventh month of double digit growth.

Paul Everitt, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive, said: "This good news is hot-on-the-heels of Honda's announcement of a further £80 million investment in its Swindon plant, from where the two- millionth car has just rolled off its production lines and Nissan's 800 jobs boost to the North East announced in January."