Car production reaches six-year high

September output fell slightly to 137,068 units, down 2.8% due to planned re-tooling for model changes. However, production for the home market was up 17.7% in September as UK new car market continues to thrive. Mike Hawes (pictured), chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), said "It is testament to the strength of the automotive industry that it continues to break records – yielding the best year-to-date performance for six years and comfortably surpassing one million units." He added: "The continued investment by the sector into new models means the September figures took a slight dip as some plants underwent re-tooling but it is these same new models which will help increase production volumes in the future." Meanwhile, overall UK commercial vehicle production fell by 2,179 units year-on-year despite production of certain new models beginning to ramp up. Output for the year-to-date was down by a quarter (25.2%) due to plant restructuring over the past year. Exports increased for the first time in six months as the European commercial vehicle market gradually recovers. Hawes said: "UK commercial vehicle production remained negative in September, while key manufacturing facilities adjusted to new models. We expect monthly output to level off in the coming months, with the restructuring of operations last year now only affecting the year-to-date figures."