Production figures released today by the Office for National Statistics show that:
- Car production in September climbed 6.3 per cent to 153,542 units
- Export production leapt 18.3 per cent accounting for 69.6 per cent of total output
Commenting on the new data, SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said, ‘ The increasing strength of the export market, driving UK production, is compensating for the slow down in home output. This clearly demonstrates growing worldwide confidence in the UK as a competitive base to build new cars. Production is now set on a firm upward trend that is likely to continue through 2004.’
Commercial vehicle production slows
- September CV production fell by 13.7 per cent month on month
- Year-to-date output of 2003 slipped 2.3 per cent on the same period in 2002
‘Year-to-date output was only 2.3 per cent shy of last year’s level after September’s CV production fell short of the impressive 2002 rate. UK manufacturers are making solid ground from the buoyant home market despite the constraints of a weak export market. Full year output should remain close to 190,000 units,’ said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan.
For more tables and analysis please download the report by clicking on the link below.
