Car production dips in October but optimism reigns
Provisional output data released today by the Office for National Statistics shows:
- Car production fell 7.6 per cent in October; year-to-date volumes down 2.7 per cent
- Production for export rose 0.5 per cent over the year-to-date, but fell in October
‘Overall, car production figures continue to reflect losses at MG Rover’, said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan. ‘But two recent landmarks, the new Civic at Swindon and production of the two millionth Toyota at Burnaston, should send a signal that car production in the UK is still healthy. SMMT’s latest issues survey shows that car and commercial vehicle makers are optimistic about the future, despite concerns about the cost burden of legislation and a transport infrastructure that hinders competitiveness.’
Exports help stabilise 2005 CV production
Provisional output data for October released today by the Office for National Statistics shows:
- October CV production down 1.1 per cent on October 2004
- Export production up 1.8 per cent on October 2004; year-to-date remains on par with 2004
- Rolling annual total of 208,190 units at year-to-October
‘Commercial vehicle production in October remained within a few hundred units of last October,’ said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. ‘The sector remains in good shape, despite no overall increase in 2005, partly due to a fall in demand from European buyers. We’ve seen a small fall in production volumes of late but expect 2005 full year production to be close to 210,000 units.’
The table below shows UK car production figures.
