Provisional output data released today by the Office for National Statistics show that:
- Car production in October climbed 2.5 per cent to 153,361 units
- Export accounted for a record 74.2 per cent of monthly output
- Year-to-date volumes rose 0.6 per cent, on track to meet 1.65 million forecast
‘UK car production has performed exceedingly well so far this year,’ commented SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan. ‘Despite global economic uncertainties and stagnant demand across the EU, British-based manufacturers have seen output volumes rise over six of the past eight months. Exports accounted for a record share of October’s output and are expected to remain the key focus driving UK production over the next few years. We are confident that full-year levels will reach our 1.65 million unit forecast.’
Commercial vehicle growth slows on weaker exports
- October 2003 CV output fell 15.2 per cent on October 2002.
- Year-to-October down 3.9 per cent on the same period in 2002.
