8:42 am, July 24, 2014
UK CAR production has continued to rise in the first half of 2014 with volumes up 3.5 per cent to 791,314 units.
Figures out from the SMMT today shows June output increased 3.7 per cent to 136,419 cars, driven by 16.5 per cent growth in production for UK market.
The industry has benefited from an influx of new model introductions, with more anticipated in the coming months.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said: ‘UK car production continued its steady growth in June, leading to a first half-year increase of 3.5 per cent. With several manufacturers having started assembly of new models this year and billions of pounds of investment still to reach production fruition, this is an exciting time for the UK automotive sector.
‘However, with this growth comes a need to bolster the domestic supply chain and address major skills shortages; both of which the UK industry is committed to addressing.’
KPMG’s UK head of automotive John Leech also commented on the figures, saying: ‘This has been a credible first half of the year for UK car production. A lot of important new models were launched such as the Nissan Qashqai, BMW Mini and Range Rover Sport and I expect a strengthening trend into the second half of 2014. With the Jaguar XE and the new Vauxhall Astra due to be launched early next year, we are on the threshold of a golden era of British car manufacturing.’
