UK Vehicle Production Slips

UK car production fell 3.7 per cent or 5,286 units in January 2005, reports the SMMT. At the same time output for the home market climbed 4.3 per cent. However, production for export markets fell by 7.5 per cent, compared to a growth of 12.4 per cent a year ago.

“Car production in the UK continues to benefit from positive news”, said SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan. “Investment at the Nissan and Mini plants already announced in 2005 will take the total to around £3bn for volume car plants in the last five years. In a global industry, it is these decisions that endorse the UK’s strength as a production base, with more car makers than any other in Europe and some of the world’s most efficient car plants.”

In contrast January’s data shows lower home market production for commercial vehicles and stronger export growth. Total CV output fell 13.5 per cent compared to January 2004, but exports were up 11.6 per cent.

“Last year was a great year for commercial vehicle building in the UK”, said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. “UK plants showed themselves more than capable of meeting a big increase in European demand. New models should help to maintain the UK market this year. We expect very good numbers and may match last year’s record CV registration total.”