The Government's scrappage scheme helped boost production levels to 17,500 in October, compared to 8,500 in the same month last year.

A company spokesman today welcomed the upturn, but said it was important not to read too much into the figures.

"Last October was when the crisis really hit, so it is a little bit of an odd comparison," he said.

Qashqai production has held up well throughout the downturn, but the plant has really benefited from the scrappage scheme in orders for the Note and Micra.

"Last October we made 8,500 cars and this year it is 17,500," said the Nissan spokesman.

"Certainly the scrappage effect will be there, but it will also be a little bit of natural pick-up in the market.

"The scrappage scheme is supporting the new car market and, therefore, is very welcome.

"It is encouraging, but we have to be aware that the incentives are not going to be around for ever.

Nationally, new car registrations were up 31.6 per cent in October to 168,942, though year-in-year figure is down 12.3 per cent at 1,685,981.

October was the fourth month of growth sustained by the Scrappage Incentive Scheme (SIS).

"October has seen this year's biggest monthly increase in registrations with the successful scrappage scheme accounting for more than 20 per cent of them," said Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

"We have seen additional demand created by the extension of the scheme and customers wanting to avoid the VAT increase planned for January.

"Encouragingly, there has also been an increase in demand in the fleet and business sectors, which will be critical in sustaining recovery next year."