Car production accelerated ahead last month, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

A total of 128,654 cars were made in the UK in October - a 14.1% rise on the same month last year.

Car production for the first 10 months of this year, at more than 1.11 million, was 5.8% up on the January-October 2010 period but commercial production (CV) was down 2.7% at 100,363 for the first 10 months of 2011.

For the month of October, CV production dipped 2.9% to 11,337 but on the increase was engine production, which rose 12.0% in October reaching 236,248 and for the year so far was up 5.1% at 1.21 million.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: "October was another positive month for UK vehicle production, with car manufacturing at its highest level since March.

"Strong export demand for UK-built cars and engines is good news for the economy during this difficult period. Weak UK market demand is a cause for concern and makes it essential that the Chancellor uses his autumn statement to help encourage private sector investment and boost economic growth."