The number of cars made in the UK accelerated ahead last month.

A total of 136,051 cars were produced in September 2011 - a 7.5% increase on the September 2010 total, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

Commercial vehicle (CV) production also rose last month, increasing 6.2% to 12,046, while the number of engines made rose 6.6% to 244,270.

Over the first nine months of this year, car production was up 4.8% on the January-September 2010 figure, while CV production was down 2.7% and engine production up 5%.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: "The September 2011 production increases confirm a positive trend we expect to continue into 2012.

"Major new investment by vehicle manufacturers is opening up opportunities for UK-based suppliers, helping to drive the economic recovery and private sector investment."