The UK saw a 14.8% rise in new car production in March to 135,052 cars built in total.

Car production is up 13% in Q1, and UK engine production increased by 6.5% in March and 9.4% over Q1.

Commercial vehicle production fell by 6% in March and was down 0.8% over the first three months of the year.

Paul Everitt, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive, said: “UK automotive manufacturing demonstrated encouraging growth across the car and engine sectors in March, continuing the strong performance of quarter one.

“The eighth consecutive monthly rise in car output and robust export demand indicate long-term strength and stability in the sector. However, recent announcements from UK-based manufacturers impacted by the Japanese earthquake are likely to see output drop in the short-term.”