Automotive production is continuing to rise in the UK, with some experts holding out hope of a sustained recovery in the sector.

In February car output rose by 3.5 per cent in comparison to last year's figure, as a total of 141,093 units were produced.

Export production also rose, as output reached more than 93,000 units, marking an eight per cent rise on the figures for 2003.

For the year to date production is now running at 3.7 per cent higher, while exports are up by 10.2 per cent.

"While domestic demand is robust, production for the export market is expected to be the focus for growth throughout 2004," a spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) commented.

British car production is now running at its highest annual rate since November 2000, with 1.67 million units being produced.

Car sales in Western Europe have shown signs of recovery since last year, when conflict in Iraq and economic problems hit consumer confidence, although some analysts remain cautious about the extent to which this is a short-term resurgence.