UK car production rose 62.7% year-on-year to 97,255 units in February, though the comparison is against severely depleted production levels in early 2009 as the industry wound down stocks in the wake of recession and sharply lower orders.
“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,” said SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt.
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In the first two months of the year UK car production totalled 198,445 units, some 63.8% ahead of the same period last year.
“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 next week’s Budget to maintain stability in demand through continued investment in new products,” Everitt said.
Commercial vehicle output also recovered in February, up 74.2% to 10,226 units while engine production was up 58.9% to 198,807 units.
