SMMT News

Motor industry set to shine at the British International Motor Show

14 July 2006 #SMMT News

As the doors open for the British International Motor Show on its return to London next week, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders hopes that this showcase automotive exhibition will show how strong and vibrant the UK motor industry really is.

SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan said, ‘SMMT is delighted to have this show back in London, and with 12 new cars being premièred within the halls, outside driving events and evening rock concerts, visitors can expect a stunning best-of-British from the motor industry.

Key facts about the UK industry

  • Nearly 200,000 workers make over 1.6 million vehicles in the UK.
  • 800,000 people work in the whole automotive industry; from manufacture to sales, service and repair.
  • Over 2.4 million new cars are sold in the UK every year, making the UK the second largest market in Europe, behind Germany.
  • In 2005, over 7.5 million used cars also changed hands.
  • Nissan has invested more than £2.3 billion in the UK since 1986. The new Micra was designed in Paddington, developed at Cranfield and produced at Sunderland, Europe’s most productive car plant.
  • More than £1.3 billion has been invested in Honda’s Swindon manufacturing sites since 1984. The new Civic is being made there – the first time ever a new Honda model has started production outside Japan.
  • In the last four years, BMW Group has spent around £900 million upgrading its UK production facilities. The Group has contributed £2.5 billion into the UK GDP over the same period.
  • Ford has invested £560m in its Dagenham Diesel Centre in the last three years -taking its capacity over 700,000 engines a year.

Mr Macgowan added, ‘The British motor industry generates a turnover of £47 billion every year, contributing well over 10 per cent of the UK’s total exports. We support around 800,000 jobs and still have more volume car makers than any other EU country. All these factors show just how strong the UK industry is and why we must have a world-class showcase to celebrate our success. We have a committed and efficient workforce which continues to demonstrate world leadership. The British International Motor Show will show that to the world’.

For further information on the Industry, you can download the SMMT publication ‘Motor Industry Facts – 2006’ free of charge via the link www.smmt.co.uk/category/reports/

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