British car output rose an annual 44 per cent in April with a total of 98,290 new cars produced in Britain last month on higher demand for new vehicles, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

In the year to date, car production was 64.9 percent higher than the same period a year ago.

"Output in April is up across the car, commercial vehicle and engine sectors compared to the same time last year, reflecting a good start to the second quarter of 2010," said SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt.

"The home market saw a significant increase in the month, a positive indication of a strengthening economy and an improvement in consumer confidence," he added.-Reuters