Car manufacturing rises 23.5%, SMMT data shows

Coming on the back of increasing job opportunities announced recently by Honda, Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover, new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that UK car manufacturing continues to rise from its nadir in 2011 although numbers are still way short of 2008/9 peaks. Car manufacturing rose 23.5% in February, up 19.6% over the year-to-date. UK engine production increased by 3.6% in February and 4.3% over the year-to-date, although commercial vehicle output fell slightly by 2.7% in February, down 2.0% over the first two months of the year. Commenting on the new figures, SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said the rise maintained the trend of strong export-led growth and confirmed the importance of manufacturing to a rebalanced and prosperous economy. "The UK automotive sector continues to attract investment and generate new jobs," he added, although there was no room for complacency.