Car output rose for the 13th consecutive month, up 22.2% in July and 15.1% for the year-to-date.

According to the latest production figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) commercial vehicle output fell slightly by 1.3% in July, with a 7.7% fall for the first seven months of 2012.

UK engine production was up 0.3% over the year, with a narrow 1.9% downturn in the month.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: “Car manufacturing continued to perform well.

"While uncertainty in Europe remains a challenge, the £6 billion investment committed to the UK in the last two years delivers long-term growth opportunities and the latest figures show that our products have enormous global appeal."

UK plants manufactured 119,882 cars in July and 94,490 units were exported which leaves 25,392 units left to be registered here.