The organisation added that analysts expect growth over the full year as newly introduced models move to full-scale production.

It also said that signs of European market recovery are significant for overseas trade. Around 50% of exports go to EU.

‘UK car manufacturing made a solid start to 2014, matching the strength of January last year,’ said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. ‘We expect domestic car output to accelerate throughout 2014 as new model introductions reach full volume. Looking further ahead, we anticipate further growth as investments by some of the world's biggest automotive brands become reality, creating more jobs and huge opportunities for UK-based suppliers.