The figures for last month show a 15.5% rise compared with September last year, with year-to-date volumes 3.3% up on the same period in 2015.

Production for the UK market led the way with a gain of 20.1%, continuing the trend of recent months, but new car exports were not far behind with a 13.9% increase in volumes.

September’s results follow latest industry projections that set British car manufacturing on track to achieve record production levels by 2020.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “After the regular summer break, manufacturing plants were back in full swing in September and the gains made by the UK’s car makers are positive. Particularly encouraging is the recent upturn in exports, which are higher than they were in 2014, reflecting growth in key overseas markets such as the rest of Europe.

“The UK’s recent manufacturing successes are hard won and the sector will need ongoing investment and innovation to maintain global automotive competitiveness.”

John Leech, head of automotive at KPMG UK, added: “The number of cars made in the UK in September 2015 beat expectations and all plants performed well. With the new Vauxhall Astra due to launch next month at Ellesmere Port and exciting variants such as the convertible Range Rover Evoque imminent, we expect further strong gains in the months ahead. The recovering EU car market means that the UK car industry will continue to grow in both in the short and medium term notwithstanding the strong pound.”