The SMMT has hailed the UK automotive sector’s contribution to the UK economy, noting that in 2012 it generated its highest ever turnover, increased production and export volumes, adding investment and jobs.
The SMMT said that UK automotive manufacturing turnover hit a new GBP60bn high in 2012, with vehicle output up 8%. Car export volumes broke all-time records, SMMT said.
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Other findings from The SMMT’s 14th Automotive Sustainability Report:
- automotive R&D expenditure grew 9% to GBP1.7bn;
- jobs in automotive manufacturing rose 2% to 146,000;
- industry performance improved across almost all environmental indicators: manufacturing CO2 emissions (-3%), energy use (-5%) and waste to landfill (-8%) per vehicle produced all declined.
SMMT’s Interim Chief Executive, Mike Baunton said: “UK automotive continues to support the country’s economic recovery, with rising turnover, increased manufacturing output and record export volumes providing further proof of industry’s ability to compete on a global scale.
“It is clear that our future is bright and that the environmentally-focussed approach that vehicle manufacturers have taken to improve manufacturing processes and products will support our continued economic success. However to capitalise on the sector’s potential it is vital that government uses its upcoming Automotive Sector Strategy to commit to measures that will strengthen the automotive supply chain and drive further R&D activity.”
