8:43 am, September 20, 2012
UK car manufacturing fell 8.9 per cent in August, latest figures from the SMMT reveal.
Despite the fall, the SMMT says August is a low-volume month and 2012 figures are still 12.7 per cent up on year-to-date.
Commercial vehicle output rose 18.3 per cent in the month, but fell 5.5 per cent during the first eight months of this year.
Engine production is on the rise, according to the figures – up 12.5 per cent in August and 1.5 per cent during the January to August period.
‘UK vehicle production is 11.2 per cent up this year, but down seven per cent in August,’ said SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt. ‘Volumes are traditionally low and variable in August as manufacturers use the holiday period to undertake important maintenance and facility upgrades.
‘Continued weak demand in Europe is a concern, although significant new investment and stronger demand from better performing global markets will ensure UK output continues on an upward trend.’
