Cars Produced for Export Hit Record Total in 2004

The number of cars produced for export hit a record level last year, rising three per cent to 1,179,753 units, says the Office for National Statistics. However production for the UK market fell 9.1 per cent bringing last year’s total to 467,020 units, compared to 513,799 in 2003.

More than seven out of every 10 cars made in the UK are now destined for export markets, says the SMMT, adding that output for export markets rose for the third year in a row.

SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan commented: “Stability has returned to car production landscape in the last few years. Total volumes have remained steady at around 1.65 million units, although output for export has been rising steadily and is now running at record levels.

“However, while the picture is generally positive we need to guard against complacency. The UK hosts some of the most productive car plants in Europe, but rising raw material and fuel costs, as well as unfavourable exchange rates, play their part in threatening future prosperity, particularly for companies in the supply chain.”