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The number of cars built in the UK last month increased by more than 13% from a year earlier, industry figures show.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said 146,955 cars were built in February, about 17,000 more than in the same month last year.

The increase took the total number of cars built in the UK this year to 284,507, an increase of more than 10% from the same point a year ago.

The UK exported 104,880 cars and sold 42,075 into the home market last month.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "The UK automotive industry's impressive growth continued into February, with demand from both domestic and overseas customers showing no signs of slowing.

"The outlook for the sector is bright, but much will depend on global political and economic conditions in the months and years to come."

Almost 1.6 million cars were built in the UK last year, up 3.9% on 2014.

Industry analysts predict car output to reach record levels of around two million units by 2017, overtaking the 1972 record of 1.92 million.