The turnover from UK motor industry manufacturing rose last year, with record levels expected to be reached by 2015, it was announced today.

Automotive manufacturing turnover for 2011 was £55 billion - a 12% increase on 2010, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

Combined car and commercial vehicle production last year reached 1.46 million which was a 5.1% rise on the 2010 total.

The SMMT said today that independent forecasts suggested the figure could reach an all-time high of two million vehicles by 2015.

Vehicles made for export were up 14% last year and represented 81.6% of total output and were valued at more than £30 billion.

CO2 emissions from manufacturing were down by more than 13% per vehicle produced last year.

The SMMT added that there was a 12% rise last year in apprenticeships in the motor industry.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: "The automotive industry is continuing to lead the country's economic recovery, increasing manufacturing output, delivering record turnover and exporting a greater proportion of cars than ever before, all while reducing our environmental footprint.

"In a tough economic climate, the automotive sector has continued to perform above expectations, demonstrating the significant role it has to play in a rebalanced economy."

He went on: "Our industry is at the forefront of the drive to a low-carbon economy attracting investment in the research, development and manufacture of low and ultra-low carbon technologies, creating new jobs and growth opportunities throughout the supply chain and introducing attractive products that are reducing transport emissions as well."