The number of cars built in UK factories has risen in May 2018, compared with the same month one year ago, amidst Brexit uncertainty.

In a week where big brands such as BMW and Nissan have raised concerns about the future of the industry, the news at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Summit that production levels are rising will be welcomed.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "Following the significant decline in output in May last year as several manufacturers geared up to deliver new models, growth this month was to be expected.

"For this to continue, we need to ensure UK car plants are able to attract future investment, and this will depend upon maintaining the competitive conditions that have helped drive the industry's success in recent years.

"Given our dependency on the EU as our biggest customer and supplier, that means retaining the benefits of the single market and membership of the customs union - the minimum requirement for friction-less trade."

Jaguar Land Rover is the UK’s biggest car maker, with plants at Solihull, Castle Bromwich and Halewood - with 80 per cent of their cars exported. Other big car brands being built at plants in the UK include Toyota, Nissan, Honda, BMW and luxury brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley, McLaren, Morgan and Rolls Royce. The rise of 1.3 is a minor boost, but overall production for 2018 is still struggling, down 2.9 per cent.

The domestic market remains buoyant, with manufacturing levels growing by 12.8 per cent last month, reversing the decline from the same period of 2017.

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