Fourth successive month of growth for car production
Car output from UK factories was up 62.7% to 97,255 in February, the fourth successive monthly rise, while commercial vehicle output also recovered sharply, up 74.2% to 10,226. Meanwhile, UK engine production was up 58.9% to 198,807 in the month.
Paul Everitt (pictured), chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which monitors the monthly figures, said: "The fourth month of consecutive growth in new car production is encouraging news for industry. Manufacturers and government need to work together to ensure that there is continued investment in new products and technology to sustain future growth.
"Sterling movement has made UK-built products more competitive, enabling the UK to work through challenging economic conditions. UK-built engines and vehicles are exported to over 100 markets worldwide, offering some resilience to local market conditions. Industry looks to [the forthcoming] Budget to maintain stability in demand through continued investment in new products."
