Car production accelerated sharply last month, figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed today.

A total of 138,296 cars were made in the UK in February - a 23.5% rise on the February 2011 figure.

But commercial vehicle (CV) production slowed, dipping 2.7% to 9,655.

A total of 226,848 engines were made last month - 3.6% more than in February 2011.

Car production is up 19.6% for the first two months of this year compared with January-February 2011, while CV production is down 2% and engine production is up 4.3%.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: "The car manufacturing rise last month maintains the trend of strong export-led growth and confirms the importance of manufacturing to a rebalanced and prosperous economy.

"The UK automotive sector continues to attract investment and generate new jobs.

"Despite recent success, there can be no complacency and it is essential the Chancellor uses next week's Budget to deliver on its growth strategy and boost the UK's competitiveness by encouraging private sector investment in research and development, capital equipment and skills."