UK car production slows

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed that May car production compared to the same month a year ago was 7.7 per cent down at 118,866 although the year to date figure, at 693,123, remained 10.6 ahead of the same period a year ago. SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “May saw a slow down in UK car production, reflecting a cautious approach to demand across Western Europe. Year-to-date volumes remain positive and are up 66,332 units over the same period in 2007. The outlook for UK automotive manufacturing remains optimistic with strong demand in many emerging markets.” Cars built for export were 9.8 per cent down for the month while home consumption, which represented a little over 20 per cent of total output, was up two per cent. Commercial vehicle output continued its upward trend in May, with the main growth in exports. Year-to-date, production was up 10 per cent compared to 2007 at 99,980.