New figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have highlighted a "solid" start to the year for the UK automotive sector, with a 0.3 per cent annual reduction in vehicle output in January.

In total, last month witnessed 128,620 new vehicles roll off the assembly lines up and down the country, while the proportion of units being produced for export rose marginally from 79.1 per cent in January 2013 to 80.4 per cent this year.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes commented: "We expect domestic car output to accelerate throughout 2014 as new model introductions reach full volume.

"Looking further ahead, we anticipate further growth as investments by some of the world's biggest automotive brands become reality."

Overall, the UK automotive industry continues to be a major driver of economic recovery, employing more than 700,000 people directly and indirectly within the supply chain and with an annual turnover in excess of £59 billion.

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