9:38 am, February 20, 2009
CAR production in the UK continued to fall sharply in January – down 58.7 per cent, says the SMMT.
The news comes as plants across the UK shut up shop for extended periods.
Commercial vehicle production also posted a substantial fall, down 59.9 per cent. What’s more some 83.5 per cent of car output was due for export – a record for any January.
‘Following extended winter shutdowns, vehicle output continued to fall in January in line with expectations,’ explained SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.
‘The proportion of cars exported peaked in January, evidence of the resilience of UK automotive manufacturing.
‘European markets have been lifted by scrappage incentive schemes and SMMT continues its call for a UK plan to boost the new vehicle market and support employment throughout the sector.
‘The motor industry reiterates its request for an urgent government response.’
