LONDON (AP) - Auto production in the UK rose 65 percent in January compared to weak year-ago figures, with production for the home market soaring by 178 percent, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said yesterday.

UK factories turned out 101,190 autos in January as the industry logged its biggest year-on-year gain since 1976. Output of commercial vehicles rose 9.6 percent to 9,156, the industry group said.

During the month, Britain produced about 28,000 cars for the home market and 73,000 for export, an increase of 43 percent, the society said.

Car sales in Britain have been supported by a government-backed programme which offers discounts of £2,000 ($3,200) to buyers who trade in a car more than 10 years old. The programme is expected to end in March.