Car production rose by 54 per cent in May and was up 62.6 per cent in the year to date, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

In May 104,365 cars were produced while 518,722 were produced in the year to date.

The number of cars exported in May rose by 37.8 per cent to 74,400, representing 71.3 per cent of the total number of cars produced. In the year to date 371,570 cars were exported, up 46 per cent from the previous year and representing 71.6 per cent of the total number of cars produced.

The number of commercial vehicles produced in May rose 129.0 per cent to 10,745 and rose 55.7 per cent in the year to date to 53,950.

In total 7,375 commercial vehicles were exported, up 97.1 per cent from the previous month and representing 68.6 per cent of all commercial vehicles produced. In the year to date 37,710 commercial vehicles were exported, up 41.1 per cent from the previous year and representing 69.9 per cent of all commercial vehicles produced.

Engine production in May rose 35.9 per cent to 206,023 while in the year to date engine production was up 40 per cent to 1,032,169.

The number of engine's exported in May rose 23.8 per cent to 147,630, representing 71.7 per cent of the total. In the year to date 756,869 engines were exported up, 31.9 per cent from the previous year and representing 73.3 per cent of all engines produced.

Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of the SMMT, said, "The recovery in UK vehicle and engine production continued for the seventh consecutive month, with commercial vehicle output more than doubling against a weak 2009.

"There is concern that fiscal consolidation across Europe may impact demand in the months ahead and it is important that next week's budget helps to sustain consumer and business confidence, as well as encouraging UK investment in new technology and advanced skills."