The SMMT figures show that output fell 2.9% last month from 133,730 units to 129,915. Year to date, the figure is down 2.0% from 262,645 units to 257,300.

The SMMT highlighted that the number of cars produced for the domestic market in February was up 21.1% to 33,813 units. Year to date, the total is up 20.4% to 64,176 units.

"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," said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

"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.”

The SMMT added that carmakers have invested heavily in UK production facilities, and this is expected to come to fruition in the coming year, while the number of UK-produced components in British cars has risen steeply.