Recent reports have shown that approximately 10% more cars were produced in the UK this September in comparison to the same time last year. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has unveiled these statistics.
In addition, 1,125,433 cars were manufactured in the UK by the end of the month—that’s a 3.9% rise compared to 2012.
This means UK car production has returned to the period prior to the world economic recession levels. The rolling 12-month total has now topped 1.5 million vehicles.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes declared, “Boosted by strong domestic demand, September’s 9.9% rise in car manufacturing reinforces how the sector is one of the UK’s biggest success stories of recent years.”
Hawes also stressed what a key role the UK car industry is playing in helping Britain emerge from recession: “This year alone, more than £2.6 billion has been committed across the UK automotive sector, from the supply chain to global car manufacturing brands.
“This long-term financial commitment and robust demand for UK-built products demonstrate the global appetite for high-quality, desirable products borne of the UK’s world-class design, R&D and engineering.”
Nearly 80% of cars made by UK manufacturers in September were exported, too—bringing welcome foreign cash into Britain.
The news isn’t as good for commercial vehicles though, with over a quarter fewer vans produced in the UK last month compared to last year. This follows a steady downward trend that started back in 2011.
