CATERHAM is ramping up capacity at its Dartford factory in response to increasing demand for its lightweight two-seater sports car.

Not only will the move help the company continue to meet healthy demand for the Seven, but the move will help shorten the current three to four month waiting list.

Over the past year Caterham has enjoyed consistently strong sales both in the UK and overseas, the British marque being one of only three European brands at the Tokyo Motor Show last November.

"Despite the economic background we have recorded an extremely positive sales period," said Caterham Cars boss Ansar Ali. "Adding to our capacity merely underlines our position in the market."

In the UK, the Roadsport 175 and the more track-focused Superlight R300 remain the most popular models, just ahead of the entry-level Ford Sigma-powered Roadsport 125.

Since its launch in March 2008, Caterham's range-topping Superlight R500 - which can hit 60mph in under 2.9 seconds - has sold around 100 units worldwide to date. That's a figure its predecessor took five years to achieve.

"The export market has certainly been boosted by the exchange rate but more decisively by our success in achieving European Type Approval last year and the launch of the Roadsport 175. Collectively they have combined to deliver for us," added Ali.