Provisional data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics shows  that export vehicle production hit record levels in 2004, up 3% to 1,179,753 units.

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Production for the UK home market fell 9.1% to 467,020.


More than seven out of every 10 cars (71.6%) made in the UK last year were destined for export markets. Export output rose for the third consecutive year.



Overall, production fell 0.7% to 1,646,773 in 2004.


SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: “Stability has returned to the car production landscape in the last few years. Total volumes have remained steady at around 1.65 million units, although output for export has been rising steadily and is now running at record levels.

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“However, while the picture is generally positive we need to guard against complacency. The UK hosts some of the most productive car plants in Europe, but rising raw material and fuel costs, as well as unfavourable exchange rates, play their part in threatening future prosperity, particularly for companies in the supply chain.”


Commercial vehicle output last year rose 10.8% to 209,293 in 2004, the highest total since 1999. Exports were up 24.5% to 128,107.


“The 2004 figures show UK commercial production figures over 10% up on the previous year,” added Macgowan


“Last year was a record breaker for CV registrations in the UK and it is encouraging to see production climbing too. European demand has helped export figures increase by 25% and new UK product developments will help keep those figures up. It’s great to have so much good news from the CV sector.”