Car production up in first half of 2014

UK car manufacturing enjoyed a robust first half of 2014, with volumes up 3.5% to 791,314 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

June output rose 3.7% to 136,419 cars, driven by 16.5% growth in production for UK market. UK industry is set to benefit from a raft of new model introductions, with more anticipated in coming months. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "UK car production continued its steady growth in June, leading to a first half-year increase of 3.5%. "With several manufacturers having started assembly of new models this year and billions of pounds of investment still to reach production fruition, this is an exciting time for the UK automotive sector. However, with this growth comes a need to bolster the domestic supply chain and address major skills shortages; both of which the UK industry is committed to addressing."