Production figures released today by the Office for National Statistics show that car production in the UK in March 2003 rose for the first time since October 2002, with a 2.7 per cent rise to 151,848 units.

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The increase comes on top of a strong gain last year and pushed the first quarter tally to 431,167 units.

Over the first quarter of 2003 exports have climbed 9.1 per cent, while output for the home market slipped 21.4 per cent.

Commenting on March car production, SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said, “It’s encouraging to see car production climb again following a recent period of restructuring in the UK industry. Exports have risen for the ninth consecutive month, accounting for over 65 per cent of UK production and driving March’s strong growth. Car production in 2003 is now expected to total 1.63m units, just ahead of 2002’s 1.628m units.”

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