SMMT News

New export facilities for UK automotive unveiled by Business Secretary

07 June 2012 #SMMT News

Business Secretary Vince Cable was at the Port of Southampton today to unveil a new multi-deck trade vehicle terminal, which will be able to meet extra demand for exporting British-built cars overseas.

The fourth terminal is part of a major investment by Associated British Ports (ABP) to expand its vehicle export facilities, enabling it to accommodate the increased number of vehicles being shipped to overseas markets, particularly China. Last year UK automotive exports were up 15% to a record high of £29.5 billion in cash terms.

Following the opening, ABP announced a further £7.5m investment to construct a fifth multi-deck trade vehicle terminal at the port. The visit and announcement coincides with other local investment by the Department’s flagship policy – the Regional Growth Fund.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said, “The British car industry is a great success story and our increasing exports are proving a boon for the Port of Southampton – the opening of a new vehicle terminal along with provisional funding from the Regional Growth Fund for the City of Southampton’s infrastructure will allow further growth for the future.

Click through to SMMT’s monthly automotive manufacturing data feed for the latest news on UK car, commercial vehicle and engine production, as well as export statistics.

To find out more about the ongoing work between industry and government to create a transformed business environment for the automotive industry in the UK, visit the Automotive Council website.

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