Car production up 7% in September - Confused.com

21/10/11

By Natalie Marchant

UK car production increased by 7.5 per cent in September compared to the same period of last year, figures show.

Some 136,051 cars were made last month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

September also saw an increase in commercial vehicle (CV) production, which rose 6.2 per cent to 12,046. The number of engines made also increased by 6.6 per cent to 244,270.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of SMMT, said: "The September 2011 production increases confirm a positive trend we expect to continue into 2012.

"Major new investment by vehicle manufacturers is opening up opportunities for UK-based suppliers, helping to drive the economic recovery and private sector investment."

Car production from January to September was up by 4.8 per cent on the same period of last year, while engine production was also up 5 per cent.

However there was a drop in CV production, which showed a 2.7 per cent fall, the SMMT said.