The decline marks the lowest output since the Second World War, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

A meagre 197 premium and luxury sports vehicles emerged from UK factories in April, with 45 of those sent to UK customers.

Instead, some factories shifted production to make 711,495 items of personal protective equipment for health workers, BBC News reports.

Mike Hawes, chief executive, SMMT, said: “With the UK’s car plants mothballed in April, these figures aren’t surprising but they do highlight the tremendous challenge the industry faces, with revenues effectively slashed to zero last month.”

The loss of the 400,000 cars that would normally have been made is expected to cost the British car industry up to £12.5 billion in revenues.

In April there were just 830 new car engines made at UK plants, 781 of which were exported. This level was down 99.5% on the year before.

Mr Hawes said ramping up the industry again would be a “gradual process”. Half of the UK’s engine and car makers are expected to head back to work this week.

Production timescales will be staggered with strict social distancing measures in place. The SMMT has suggested to car manufacturers that factory workers should be provided with PPE.

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.