THE good news for the UK automotive industry just keeps on coming…
We already know that 2014 was the fourth-best year ever for new-car sales.
And as far as manufacturing was concerned, according to figures released today by SMMT, last year was the best for seven years.
In all, 1,528,148 cars were manufactured in the UK in 2014 – a 1.2 per cent increase on the previous year. It was also the strongest December in a decade, with 108,721 cars produced, up 27.1 per cent on December 2013.
Mike Hawes, SMMT’s chief executive, said: ‘Placed in context, a 1.2 per cent growth in UK car manufacturing in 2014 represents a very successful year. The industry has overcome various challenges, including slower-than-expected EU recovery and weakness in some global markets.
‘More than £7 billion of investment into UK production facilities has been announced in the past two years, and we are now seeing the effects as new models begin production – with more expected in 2015.
‘UK car manufacturing is now more diverse than ever, with a unique combination of volume, premium and specialist brands giving our products truly global appeal. This is epitomised by the doubling of car export values in the decade from 2005 to 2014.’
Business secretary Vince Cable said: ‘These production figures are testament to the strength of our automotive industry, and show that even in tough economic conditions it continues to be one of the driving forces behind our economic recovery. From Sunderland to Goodwood, Britain is turning out cars that are in demand all around the world.
‘The UK’s automotive industry is thriving with a new car rolling off the production line every 20 seconds, while increasing levels of investment are helping to secure local jobs.’
The numbers revealed by SMMT today:
| Car manufacturing | Dec-13 | Dec-14 | % Change | 2013 | 2014 | % Change |
| Total | 85,566 | 108,721 | 27.1% | 1,509,762 | 1,528,148 | 1.2% |
| Home | 15,075 | 22,535 | 49.5% | 308,367 | 332,952 | 8.0% |
| Export | 70,491 | 86,186 | 22.3% | 1,201,395 | 1,195,196 | -0.5% |
| % export | 82.4% | 79.3% | 79.6% | 78.2% |
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