UK carmakers have recorded their greatest September since 2020 – however warned development is “under threat” from new Brexit export guidelines attributable to come into drive inside months.

More than 88,200 autos rolled off manufacturing facility traces in September, a rise of over 25,100 – virtually 40% – in comparison with the identical time final yr, figures printed on Thursday reveal.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) described the interval as a “triple success”, because it was additionally the sector’s strongest month of development in 2023 thus far and one of the best outcomes for a September in three years.

The trade physique mentioned the rise was pushed by a 32% development in exports – with virtually six in 10 autos going to the EU. Output of electrical autos (EV) additionally soared by 41.5%.

SMMT chief government Mike Hawes hailed the figures as “particularly strong” and “good news for the UK, given the thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of investment that depend on the sector”.

However, it comes solely months earlier than new “rules of origin” Brexit commerce laws are attributable to come into drive in January 2024.

Under the measure, 45% of the worth of an EV should originate within the EU or UK for it to keep away from being slapped with a ten% commerce tariff.

The goal is tougher to realize for electrical automobiles and vans, as most producers depend on batteries produced in Asia and the elements comprise a big proportion of the full worth of such autos.

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The SMMT mentioned the trade’s development within the UK, significantly from the manufacture of EVs, was “under threat” from the approaching introduction of the brand new guidelines and known as for them to be delayed by three years.

It warned the tariff might elevate the common price of UK-built battery electrical autos by £3,600 in Europe, whereas EU-made fashions bought within the UK might expertise a mean value hike of £3,400.

Mr Hawes mentioned: “Given the growing significance of electrified automotive manufacturing, the primary and pressing step is for the UK and EU to comply with delay the more durable guidelines of origin necessities which can be due imminently.

“This would give the mandatory respiration area for automotive sectors on each side of the Channel to scale up gigafactories and inexperienced provide chains, each of that are important for a secure, long-term transition.”

The SMMT mentioned the amount of British automobiles exported to international markets has risen by 16%, to greater than 500,000 models, since January, with EVs accounting for greater than a 3rd of shipments, up from 1 / 4 a yr in the past.

Vauxhall’s guardian firm Stellantis has additionally known as for a delay within the introduction of the principles – that are a part of the 2020 Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and EU.

Both the British and German governments have additionally been lobbying for the laws to be modified, whereas BMW board member Milan Nedeljkovic told Sky News last month he was optimistic they would be eased.

A authorities spokesperson informed Sky News: “We need a joint UK-EU solution to avoid consumers facing tariffs on electric vehicles from 2024 which do not apply to petrol and diesel cars.

“We have raised this with the European Commission and trade and are able to work with them to discover a answer throughout the current construction of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The UK stays probably the greatest areas on the earth for automotive manufacturing.”