UK car output in October rose 17.4% year on year to 160,854 units, for the largest monthly increase so far this year.
Automakers have built 1,286,287 cars year to date, a rise of 5.4%.
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Manufacturing for local sale was up 52.4% and exports rose 11.4%.
Around 50% of UK car exports go to Europe – after months of decline, EU demand shows signs of improving, now recording two consecutive months of growth, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.
“UK car manufacturing for the home market increased strongly in October raising the year’s performance 26.6% ahead of 2012,” said chief executive Mike Hawes.
“More than 15 brands build 50-plus models of car across the UK with volume and niche offerings providing a wealth of choice for our home and export markets. With European demand showing early signs of recovery, we expect production to continue positively in the coming months.”
In contrast, commercial vehicle production fell 33.8% to 7,825 units.
Year to date output was down 19.9% to 75,484 units.
“The downward trend in CV production continued in October, given continually low levels of demand across the EU combined and structural and model changes in the UK,” said Hawes.
“Despite some areas of good news, with UK bus and truck manufacturing growing in the month, the domestic CV manufacturing outlook remains negative for the rest of the year.”
