LONDON (AP) — An auto industry group says British factories set a record for car exports in 2012 with 1.2 million shipped abroad.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said Thursday that exports rose by nearly 8 percent while production for the home market was up 15 percent.

The Society said total production including commercial vehicles was 1.6 million, the highest since 2008.

The group's chief executive, Paul Everitt, said the outlook for 2013 is positive with faster-growing global markets making up for weakness in Europe.