A total of 148,644 units were produced in January, with 75 per cent of that figure destined for export.

Commercial vehicle production also started 2008 strongly as manufacturing levels rose 6.3 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Combined total output from the UK car industry reached 169,480 units.

“January's increase of 19.7 per cent in car production was the seventh month of double digit growth and the highest January total since 2002,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.

“UK bus, truck, and van production hit its best January since 1990, following a strong performance through 2007.”