UK Car Production Increases for 4th Consecutive Month

Car production in the UK increased 62.7 per cent year-on-year in February, with a total of 97,255 vehicles produced. This means that, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, year-to-date car production has reached 198,445 units, an increase of 63.8 per cent over the same period last year. Commercial vehicle production in February increased 74.2 per cent year-on-year to 10,226 units, while the 19,382 commercial vehicles manufactured in the first two months of 2010 represent a 36.3 per cent increase on January and February 2009.

“The fourth month of consecutive growth in new car production is encouraging news for industry.  Manufacturers and government need to work together to ensure that there is continued investment in new products and technology to sustain future growth,” said SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt.  “Sterling movement has made UK-built products more competitive, enabling the UK to work through challenging economic conditions.  UK-built engines and vehicles are exported to over 100 markets worldwide, offering some resilience to local market conditions.  Industry looks to next week’s Budget to maintain stability in demand through continued investment in new products.”