The UK built 117,829 cars last month, off 9.6% compared with July 2005. Export output of 88,910 units was down 5.3%.
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Commercial vehicle production rose 7.5% to 15,318 units in July. Export production was up 22.7% to 10,425.
Year to date, total vehicle production was off 5.9% to 1,038,786 but exports fell just 0.4% to 778,623.
Car production year to date was off 6.3% to 917,347 units while exports dropped 1.4% to 697,747.
Commercial vehicle output dropped 2.3% to 121,439 but exports were up 8.4% to 80,876.
“More than three quarters of the UK’s July car production was destined for foreign markets,” said Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) chief executive Christopher Macgowan.
“With European volumes subdued at present, it was of little surprise that the total UK output levels were slightly lower this month. But despite the lower July figures, it is very encouraging to see the likes of Toyota, Honda, Land Rover and Jaguar posting significant growth.”
“A big increase in van production served to boost the commercial vehicle market by 7.5% in July,” he added.
“And, again, exports were a key factor in this rise. While LCVs took the lion’s share, at the heavier end, DAF’s Leyland truck plant was able to continue to show a modest gain despite the backdrop of purchasing indecision caused by the changes from Euro 3 to Euro 4 standards.”
