Provisional data released today by the Office for National Statistics shows that:
- Car production up 1.2 per cent in the highest September since 1999
- Output for home market increased 2.1 per cent, but exports still driving growth
SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan, commented, ‘September car production figures reflect positive results, achieving the highest output levels in five years. It is particularly encouraging to see output for the home market rise, although the focus remains export based and seven out of 10 cars are destined for markets outside the UK. Year-to-date output remains up and we expect the full year total to be on a par with last year.’
Strong export drive lifts CV output
- Rolling year-to-September reaches 208,433 up 20,332 from September 2003
- CV production soars 27 per cent in September
- Output for export rises 45 per cent and 27.5 per cent over year-to-date
Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive said, ‘ Commercial vehicle assembly is still growing. September is one of a number of key months in the annual production calendar, with this September’s increase well above the 14.4 per cent growth average so far this year. Annual volumes are now on track to top 210,000 units and with strong demand in Europe, it may go even higher.’
