UK car output dipped in July - but remains 1.1 per cent up over the year-to-date, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics.

Export markets continue to drive growth, with output rising 8.5 per cent in July.

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: ''Two milestones have come to symbolise the resurgence of car production in the UK. Last month on Tyne and Wear, the most productive car plant in Europe, made its millionth Nissan for the UK market. Meanwhile at Plant Oxford, demand for the new MINI continues to drive output forward and tomorrow the 500,000th MINI will roll off the production line. This will be a full two years earlier than expected. These landmark achievements for key car plants remind us that 'Made in Britain' is a brand for which the industry can rightly be proud.'

CV output

CV output rose 11.2 per cent over the year-to-date, driven by the growth in exports, up 23.5 per cent this year. The rolling 12-month total stands at 201,327 units compared to 193,056 in July 2003.