UK car production the highest in 16 months

January 2012 saw the most cars manufactured in the UK for 16 months, a Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders statement has revealed. While car manufacturing rose 15.6 per cent to 127,382 compared with January 2011, commercial vehicle output fell by 1.2 per cent, reaching 9,844.

“UK car production continues to drive manufacturing growth and a rebalancing of the economy,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “Success in markets around the world is a tribute to the quality and competitiveness of UK production facilities, management and employees. It is essential government and industry continue the successful partnership that has helped deliver new investment and supply chain opportunities to secure long-term prosperity and jobs.”

106,189 cars (83.4 per cent of the total) were exported, an increase of 12.9 per cent compared to January 2011, while 21,193 (16.6 per cent of the total) entered the domestic market – a rise of 31.6 per cent. Of commercial vehicles, 58.7 per cent were manufactured for export, meaning there was little change from January 2011.