SMMT News UK Manufacturing

Car output stable in February, 2013 prospects positive

21 March 2013 #SMMT News #UK Manufacturing
  • Car manufacturing dipped 0.7% in February to 137,458 units.
  • However, February 2012 saw a 26% increase on 2011.
  • Output over the first two months of 2013 grew 0.2%, posting 266,507 units.
  • Output for the domestic market has risen by more than a third so far this year.
  • Strong investment intentions suggest output will rise over the full year and beyond.

Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive said, “Following the outstanding rise a year ago, it’s pleasing to see car production continuing to maintain those robust manufacturing levels. The UK’s commercial vehicle makers continue to feel pressures of weak economic conditions in wider Europe, with engines also following suit. However, independent forecasters expect to see more sustained levels through the rest of the year ahead.”

Car manufacturing Feb-12 Feb-13 % Change YTD-12 YTD-13 % Change
Total 138,483 137,458 -0.7% 266,033 266,507 0.2%
Home 25,228 35,251 39.7% 46,588 62,162 33.4%
Export 113,255 102,207 -9.8% 219,445 204,345 -6.9%
% export 81.8% 74.4% 82.5% 76.7%

CV output falls on weak export volumes

  • Commercial vehicle (CV) output fell 17.1% in February to 8,005 units.
  • CV output during the first two months of 2013 was 18.8% down, at 15,827 units.
  • The 2.6% rise in output for the home market in February could not offset the decline in export volumes.

Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive, “Manufacturing of commercial vehicles in the UK continues to struggle with the fall in European demand. However, with the Commercial Vehicle Show coming up in April, we have an opportunity to showcase the very best in new technology, environmental performance and safety of these vehicles which are so crucial to the UK economy.”

CV manufacturing Feb-12 Feb-13 % Change YTD-12 YTD-13 % Change
Total 9,655 8,005 -17.1% 19,499 15,827 -18.8%
Home 4,060 4,165 2.6% 8,126 8,361 2.9%
Export 5,595 3,840 -31.4% 11,373 7,466 -34.4%
% export 57.9% 48.0% 58.3% 47.2%

Engine manufacturing subdued, so far, in 2013

  • UK engine manufacturing declined 5% in February to 220,466 units.
  • Engine output has fallen 5.1% over the year-to-date.
  • UK engine manufacturers make some 2.5 million petrol and diesel engines each year – over 60% is exported, predominantly to Europe
  • Significant investment in existing and new plants in the UK should help secure and expand engine production in the UK.
Engine manufacturing Feb-12 Feb-13 % Change YTD-12 YTD-13 % Change
Total 232,183 220,466 -5.0% 463,708 440,223 -5.1%
Home 85,384 83,822 -1.8% 169,086 169,833 0.4%
Export 146,799 136,644 -6.9% 294,622 270,390 -8.2%
% export 63.2% 62.0% 63.5% 61.4%

Click through to download the UK automotive manufacturing news release for February 2013.

If you use these figures in online editorial, please reference www.smmt.co.uk/vehicle-data/ as the source.

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