- David Hort
November: Strongest production month in 2011
UK car production grew by 8.5 per cent in November, making it the most prolific month for manufacturing in 2011.
With 136,111 units built across the UK, November beat the previous best month of March, in terms of production volumes, when 135,052 units were built.
Overall, production volumes in the UK are 6.1 per cent up when compared to the same period in 2010 and in 2011, 83.6 per cent of cars built are exported to foreign markets.
Engine production also improved on figures set in October, growing by 1.7 per cent to 227,018 units built in the month and leaving the UK automotive industry in a strong position when it comes to investment, business confidence and the economy.
“Despite the challenges in the Euro-zone, the UK motor industry expects further growth in 2012. Global vehicle manufacturers have committed more than £4bn of investment into the UK motor industry, boosting confidence in the sector and securing high value jobs for the long-term," said SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt.
That’s not enough to change the outlook for the industry as a whole however and new car sales fell by 4.2 per cent in November, leaving new car registrations 4.5 per cent down on units sold at the same point in 2010.