Car manufacturing stable as home market outperforms exports
– UK car output fell by 277 units in November, with 137,347 cars produced.
– Year-to-date output stable at 1,419,427 units, a drop of 0.3%.
– Exports remain subdued in contrast to continued growth for the home market.
Mike Hawes, chief executive, SMMT, said: “Model changes and economic uncertainty in export markets have flattened UK car production, but the industry remains in a strong position with growth expected to return next year. Global demand for UK automotive engineering continues to be at a high level, and manufacturing plants are seeing the benefits of significant recent investments. UK-built cars offer a vast range of technologies to lower carbon emissions and improve air quality, underlining the country’s important role in the continuing drive to reduce all emissions.”
About SMMT and the UK automotive industry
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media.
The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for more than £64bn turnover and £12bn value added. With more than 160,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and in excess of 770,000 across the wider automotive industry, it accounts for 10% of total UK export of goods and invests £1.9bn each year in automotive R&D. More than 30 manufacturers build in excess of 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by around 2,500 component providers and some of the world’s most skilled engineers.