• UK car manufacturing grew 1.1% in the first half of 2013, to 764,390 units.
• Growth follows 4.6% uplift in Q2 and 10.4% rise in June.
• While four out of five cars built in the UK are exported, higher output for the home market, up 24.4%, has boosted volumes.
• New Automotive Sector Strategy launched last week to ensure long-term growth in UK automotive.

“Car output in the UK grew during the first half of 2013, up 1.1% building on a strong 2012 when manufacturing performed above pre-recession levels,” said Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive. “Subdued demand in some European countries has held back production levels this year, but it is encouraging to see a significant rise in volumes destined for UK buyers. Our industry is building and developing innovative, high-quality products that appeal to a global customer base and because of this, independent analysts are confident that car output will grow in the long-term despite economic concerns on the continent.”

UK market strength sees CV output rise in June

• Commercial vehicle (CV) output rose 1.4% to 8,480 units in June, off the back of increased volumes for the home market.
• CV manufacturing fell 13.5% during the first half of 2013 to 48,517 units.
• A fall in export volumes has impacted growth with just 51% of volumes going overseas for the year-to-date versus 61% a year ago.

“June’s CV output provides a welcome boost to our commercial vehicle industry, with volumes increasing 1.4% in the month, following a 17% surge in home market demand,” said Nigel Base, SMMT Commercial Vehicle Manager. “Year-to-date volumes offer a slightly gloomier picture, falling 13.5% in the first half of 2013 as CV manufacturers continue to feel the effects of weak demand abroad. The remainder of the year will be challenging, but strengthening UK demand is expected to support domestic manufacturers of vans, trucks buses and coaches.”

UK engine production rises 10.9% in June

• UK engine manufacturing rose 10.9% in June to 225,266 units.
• Despite the surge in June, output during the first half of 2013 was down 1.2% to 1,319,998 units.
• Engine production has performed in line with overall UK vehicle manufacturing trends. As for vehicles, weak export volumes are constraining overall growth.