Despite the gloomy economic outlook, vehicle production here in the UK has held up well so far in 2008 but is showing signs of slowing, especially for the domestic market.
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Year to date production of both cars and commercial vehicles was up 4.9% to 1,353,669 units to the end of September and 2.5% to 163,281 for the month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Car production was up 4.2% to 1,181,134 year to date and up 2.4% to 142,606 last month.
Export car output rose 5.3% to 904,557 year to date and 5.6% to 110,328 in September but, reflecting a slowing domestic market, production for the UK was off 7.4% in September to 32,278 units and up just 0.7% to 276,577 year to date.
Commercial vehicle production was up 10% to 172,535 units YTD (up 3.6% to 20,675 last month) with exports up 11.9% to 105,101YTD and up 7% to 11,902 in September.
Again, production for the UK showed signs of slowing – off 0.7% to 8,773 units last month and up 7.1% to 67,434 year to date.
“UK production continues to demonstrate its strength and resilience with output up 2.5% in September. We already know that production is being scaled back to reflect demand in global markets and we will see this more clearly in the months ahead,” said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.
“It is essential that government works with industry to protect vital manufacturing capability. This includes measures to support domestic demand and sustain longer-term investment in skills and new technology.”
