Car production hits 17-year high

More than 150,000 cars were built in the UK last month, the biggest February figure for 17 years. Demand from overseas drove output, offsetting a 7.4 per cent fall in production for the home market, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

A car came off the line every 16 seconds last month, taking total output to 153,041. Exports increased by 13 per cent compared with the same month last year.