Slowdown in UK Car Production Decline Seen in October

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders report a total of 114,335 new vehicles produced in the UK in October, a 10.1 per cent year-on-year decline. Of this total, 106,400 passenger cars were manufactured, 6.7 per cent less than a year ago, and 7,935 commercial vehicles, a 39.5 per cent decrease compared with October 2008. These figures represent a slowdown in the pace of car output decline, with the month’s shortfall the smallest this year. Commercial vehicle output, however, continues to decline sharply.

“The rate of decline in UK car production continued to fall in October, against a weak 2008. The scrappage scheme and early signs of recovery in global markets offer some encouragement to UK vehicle producers, but 2010 is expected to be another difficult year for the industry,” said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt. “SMMT has asked the chancellor to use the pre-budget report to help sustain and strengthen recovery. Building business and consumer confidence will be key factors during the first half of 2010.”

During the first ten months of this year, a total of 875,391 vehicles were produced, 40.1 per cent less than a year earlier. Total passenger car production, at 801,169 units, is down 38.1 per cent for the period, while the 74,222 commercial vehicles produced represents a 60.0 per cent year-on-year decline.