Matthias Wissmann of the German Federation of the Automobile Industry, said: "Brexit and the related lower demand in Britain caused by exchange rates has contributed to a 2.0-per cent fall in car exports, to 4.3 million vehicles.”

The UK is is the biggest export market by unit sales and the second-biggest in cash value.

German carmakers have around 20 per cent of global car market share this year with 16.4 million vehicles sold and produced around half of all new cars registered in Europe.

German carmakers have around 20 percent of global car market share this year with 16.4 million vehicles sold and produced around half of all new cars registered in Europe. 

The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) predicted a no-deal Brexit - based on  export figures of 2016 - would hit the car industry with customs duties of 2.35 billion euros.

 DIHK general manager Martin Wansleben said: "The clock is ticking: On 30 March 2019 the British are probably out of the EU. 

“This makes a Brexit with no follow-up agreement more likely.

“The German economy will be seriously impacted” have a serious impact."  

If the EU and the United Kingdom were not to agree on an agreement, trade would again be subject to WTO rules, which would result in significantly higher customs burdens.

Mr Walsleben said: “Quick solutions are in demand because cherry picking by the UK is not allowed in negotiations.”

Last year Germany exported cars worth 20.8 Billion euros to the UK.