Car production increased for the fifth successive month as March saw a record rise of 90.2 per cent.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which show comparisons to the same period last year, revealed a sharp rise in production, while the home and export markets also increased markedly.

Output for the home market more than doubled, with 32,245 vehicles produced, taking the year-to-date total to 87,155.

Meanwhile, the production of engines rose 43.6 per cent, in line with the average growth for the year so far, which is 41.9 per cent.

Commercial vehicle output was also up by 61.6 per cent, with the home market in such vehicles seeing a huge rise of 149.3 per cent.

Paul Everitt, chief executive for SMMT, said: "Headline figures highlight the scale of challenges faced this time last year, but also demonstrate a steady improvement in demand in home and export markets."

The growing production of new cars has not stifled the used car market, with demand growing last month, according to British Car Auctions.

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