According to the SMMT, manufacturing output dipped 0.7% last month to 137,458 units. This compares to a 26% rise between February 2011 and February 2012.

However, year to date output has grown 0.2%, posting 266,507 units while output for the domestic market has risen by more than a third so far this year.

The SMMT added that strong investment intentions suggest that output will rise over the full year and beyond.

Mike Baunton, SMMT interim chief executive, said: ‘Following the outstanding rise a year ago, it's pleasing to see car production continuing to maintain those robust manufacturing levels.

‘The UK’s commercial vehicle makers continue to feel pressures of weak economic conditions in wider Europe, with engines also following suit. However, independent forecasters expect to see more sustained levels through the rest of the year ahead.’