9:53 am, December 13, 2012
THE number of cars manufactured in this country rose again in November, the SMMT report.
Car production rose by 4.9 per cent in November, and 9.2 per cent year-to-date – continuing the trend from last month. A total of 142,825 cars were built in November – meaning the total for the year so far is just over 1.3 million.
Engine production has stayed reasonably flat during last month – just a 1.4 per cent drop on last year, and a 0.3 per cent drop year-to-date. 223,000 were produced in November alone – and over 2.3 million year to date – meaning that engines are still by far Britain’s largest automotive output.
Comercial vehicle production, however, dropped slightly – 3.6 per cent down in November, and 5.9 per cent year to date.
Production for export remains the strongest form of output, with 84.9 per cent of cars produced in November heading for other countries. It’s likely that a lack of exported vehicles once again dragged down commercial production, too – with output of vehicles destined for outside the UK falling 8.8 per cent.
‘UK car manufacturing has gone from strength to strength in 2012, growing almost 10% for the year and 5% in November,’ commented SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.
‘The global appeal of UK-built products is a key factor in the strength of our manufacturing sector, supported by world leading productivity and a dedicated and flexible workforce. This is good news, but there can be no room for complacency; the development of a long-term industrial strategy and consistent support by government is essential to secure future success and more opportunities for the UK-based supply chain.’
