British car production reported its 12th consecutive month of growth in July, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Some 126,566 new cars rolled off production lines at car plants around the UK throughout July, 7.6 per cent more than in the same month last year.

This took the number of new cars built in the UK this year past the one-million mark and came after the busiest half-year since 2000.

Almost four in five cars built in Britain head overseas, with most of those ending up with European buyers.

Meanwhile, production of commercial vehicles dropped by 5.2 per cent in July to 8,794 units, due to an unusually strong performance in the previous July. CV output remains at a high level in 2016.

Mike Hawes, chief exec of the SMMT, which collects data on the automotive sector, said that Britain’s car production was “booming in 2016”, thanks to high global demand for new British-built models like Jaguar’s F-Pace SUV and Land Rover’s Discovery Sport.

He commented: “Manufacturers have invested billions to develop exciting new models and produce them competitively here in the UK.

“Future success will depend on continued new car demand and attracting the next wave of investment so Britain must demonstrate it remains competitive and open for business.”