10:31 am, July 18, 2013
LATEST SMMT figures show that UK car manufacturing grew by 1.1 per cent in the first half of 2013 to 764, 390 units.
This growth follows a 4.6 per cent uplift in the second quarter along with a 10.4 per cent rise in June, building on the strengths achieved in 2012.
While four out of five cars built in the UK are exported, a fall in the demand for vehicles in some European countries has resulted in a higher output for the home market, which saw a 24.4 per cent increase.
The new Automotive Sector Strategy launched last week, which is set to invest more than £1bn in additional funds over the next 10 years to secure the growth and development of its manufacturing sector, will ensure long-term growth in the UK market.
SMMT interim chief executive, Mike Baunton said: ‘Car output in the UK grew during the first half of 2013, up 1.1 per cent building on a strong 2012 when manufacturing performed above pre-recession levels.
‘Subdued demand in some European countries has held back production levels this year, but it is encouraging to see a significant rise in volumes destined for UK buyers.’
He added: ‘Our industry is building and developing innovative, high-quality products that appeal to a global customer base and because of this, independent analysts are confident that car output will grow in the long-term despite economic concerns on the continent.’
