UK car manufacturing rising – SMMT

The September report from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders makes good reading for the UK car industry, as output has reached a level not seen since 2007-08. In the rolling 12 months since October 2012, the UK has manufactured more than 1.5 million, achieving a five-year high.

In addition, car manufacturing topped one million units for the 2013 calendar year in September, which in itself proved to be a strong month. 140,888 cars were built in September, 9.9 per cent ahead of 2012, pushing 2013 production to 1,125,433 units – an increase of 3.9 per cent on 2012. Exports in September grew 9.3 per cent.

“Boosted by strong domestic demand, September’s 9.9 per cent rise in car manufacturing reinforces how the sector is one of the UK’s biggest success stories of recent years,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

“This year alone, more than £2.6 billion has been committed across the UK automotive sector, from the supply chain to global car manufacturing brands. This long-term financial commitment and robust demand for UK-built products demonstrate the global appetite for high-quality, desirable products borne of the UK’s world-class design, R&D and engineering.”