More than 250,000 cars were built in the UK in the first two months of 2015.

The total, of which February made up nearly 130,000 units, also pushed the number of cars produced for the domestic market up 21.1% to 33,813 units.

The figures have been compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Its chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: “The outlook for the car manufacturing sector continues to be upbeat. More than a quarter of a million cars have been made in Britain so far this year – a steady performance, which has been led by a strong domestic market.

“The UK’s appetite for British-built cars has consistently grown, with the number of cars produced for the home market increasing 51.9% since 2011. However, political instability abroad has hit certain export areas which will invariably have a small impact on total output.”

Car makers have invested heavily in UK production facilities, and this is expected to come to fruition in the coming year. Furthermore, the number of UK-produced components in British cars has risen steeply, meaning resilient car output will benefit the whole sector.