Mike Hawes (pictured), SMMT chief executive, said, "We have seen a steady performance in UK car manufacturing this year with volumes bolstered by a strong home market, while recovery in key European markets is helping to restore export production levels.
"Long-term, the picture is promising: 'Built in Britain' is still in high demand all over the world, with buyers attracted not only by iconic British brands but also by the high quality of our engineering. With a significant number of new models due to start production in the coming months, we anticipate a strong, sustained upturn in output volumes in the years ahead."
Meanwhile, UK commercial vehicle production was boosted by export growth in May, rising 32.8% last month.
The SMMT said 6,808 vans, trucks and buses were made in Britain. Data for the first five months of 2015 further demonstrate a CV manufacturing resurgence, with production volumes up by almost a quarter, it added.
The sector benefitted from increasing European demand in May, as exports rose 69.4% last month with 3,710 vehicles destined for overseas markets. Half of all commercial vehicles produced to date in 2015 have been built for export.
"May's strong figures consolidate the UK commercial vehicle manufacturing sector's return to form, following a more subdued period over the past couple of years when changes to type approval legislation disrupted fleet renewal patterns," said Hawes.
He added: "Continued demand for high quality British engineering, growing business confidence and regulatory stability have helped to fuel steady growth for both the domestic and export markets."
