The SMMT said that UK production lines turned out one car every 16 seconds last month, with production rising 8% from 141,764 units in February 2016 to 153,041 units.
This was driven by exports, which saw a 13.4% rise on the same month last year. Year-to-date output now stands at 301,004 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Today’s figures illustrate the continuing global popularity of British-built vehicles and the export-led nature of the industry.
“With eight out of every 10 cars we produce destined for international markets – and half of those for customers in the EU – we must avoid barriers to trade, whether tariff, customs or other regulatory obstacles, at all costs.
He continued: “To do otherwise would damage our competitiveness and threaten the continued success of UK automotive manufacturing.”
February sees UK car production hit 17-year high
A growing demand for British-built cars helped to deliver the biggest February for UK car production in 17 years, figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders have shown.
