UK car manufacturing hits 16-month record high

Friday 17th February 2012

UK car manufacturing rose significantly by 15.6% in January, producing a total of 127,382 vehicles, according new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

This was the eighth successive monthly rise and the biggest increase for 16 months.

The UK’s commercial vehicle output fell modestly by 1.2% for the month to 9,844 but engine production rose by 5.0% to 227,161 for January.

Despite the motor industry bracing itself for a challenging 2012, figures from earlier this month showed that car sales edged up by 0.03%, or 42 cars, to 128,853 in January 2012.

The slight increase included a 2.7% rise in private sales to consumers, after a heavy 14% fall in 2011.

The biggest selling car in January was the Ford Fiesta, ahead of the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa and Vauxhall Astra. Sales of alternatively fuelled cars, such as electric cars, rose 17.7% to 2,119.

“UK car production continues to drive manufacturing growth and a rebalancing of the economy,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.

“Success in markets around the world is a tribute to the quality and competitiveness of UK production facilities, management and employees.

“It is essential government and industry continue the successful partnership that has helped deliver new investment and supply chain opportunities to secure long-term prosperity and jobs.”

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