Industry data released on Thursday showed that UK car production rose sharply in September, partly because the same month last year was affected by a cyber incident that created a low base for comparison.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said UK car production increased 36.3% in September to 74,031 vehicles, the strongest growth since August 2022.
That increase reflected the cyber incident suffered last year by Britain's largest automotive employer, which disrupted production at the time.
Car production rose 38.6% to 70,831 units, the highest September level for UK car manufacturing since 2023.
The European Union remained the largest export destination for UK cars, taking 57.5% of exports, with export volumes up 12.7% year on year.
Exports to the United States rose 234.8%, although that was based on a low base.
Despite the rebound in monthly output, total UK car and commercial vehicle production in the first nine months of the year fell 3% year on year to 564,537 units.
The industry body reiterated its concerns about the EU's proposed "Made in EU" measures and stricter post-Brexit rules of origin due to take effect in 2027, while warning that Britain's electric vehicle sales mandate is putting additional pressure on manufacturers and could threaten the sector's recovery.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: "The September rebound is welcome, but comparison with last year's disrupted situation actually masks the pressures currently facing UK manufacturing."
"Mandate targets are running ahead of market demand, which is draining resources that should be used for UK factories and jobs."
According to an independent forecast cited by the SMMT, UK light vehicle production is expected to fall 2.3% this year to 731,000 units, before recovering to 752,000 units by 2027 as new models, mainly electric vehicles, enter production.
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