SMMT highlights vitality of UK’s automotive industry

• The UK built more cars in the last five years, than were registered in total across France, Germany and Spain in 2010.
• Over 50 models of car, bus, truck and van are manufactured in the UK by more than 30 automotive companies.
• The growing UK automotive components industry is capable of supplying around 80% of UK-based OEM demand.
• UK car buyers will save £330 million annually thanks to fuel efficiency improvements for 2010 versus 2005 vehicles.
• UK automotive has an unprecedented level of government support and a renewed focus on automotive careers.

The UK automotive is one of the world’s strongest markets with some of the brightest prospects, a fact proven by detailed figures set out by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

In 2010 alone, the UK produced 1.4 million cars and commercial vehicles, representing over 50 different models from across over 30 different UK-based manufacturing sites.

“The UK has a dynamic and diverse automotive industry, demonstrating excellence across car, van, engine, bus, truck and coach manufacturing,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “The UK exports over 75% of the 1.4million cars and commercial vehicles it manufactures each year and has the capability to supply around 80% of UK-based OEM component demand. The UK has demonstrated its global competitiveness and is winning investment in engineering and design, along with low carbon R&D and manufacturing. This trend should encourage young people to choose careers in the automotive sector.”

Underpinned by government’s strong commitment to long-term automotive sustainability, UK automotive continues to deliver safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Demonstrating efficiency advances, the average new car bought in 2010 averages over 7mpg more than a car bought just five years ago, equating to a £330million saving for last year’s two million new car buyers.

UK automotive is helping to create thousands of new apprenticeships in manufacturing through collaboration between industry, the Automotive Council and the See Inside Manufacturing initiative. The Council’s work and the development of skills is crucial to maintain economic growth and to develop the UK’s prominent status in automotive design, engineering and manufacturing.

To find out all the latest UK automotive industry facts, download Motor Industry Facts 2011.

Automotive industry performance

• The UK built 1,393,463 vehicles in 2010.
• In 2010, UK car and commercial vehicle manufacturing grew more than 20% compared to 2009.
• The UK is the fourth largest automotive producer in Europe, building over one million cars and commercial vehicles and over two million engines in 2010.
• The automotive industry employs over 700,000 people from manufacturing to retailing and contributes £8.5bn added value to the economy annually.
• Average new car CO₂ emissions have fallen 20.3% since 2000 to 144.2g/km CO₂.