UK car production up 11% in August

22/09/11

By Sarah Tawton

The number of cars produced in the UK soared by almost 11% in August, figures have shown.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said 86,250 cars were made in the UK last month. The figure represents an increase of 10.7% compared with the level recorded in August 2010.

Car production for the year so far has risen by 4.4 per cent compared with last year, the figures reveal.

Meanwhile, commercial vehicle (CV) production rose by 9.3 per cent in August to reach 6,433.

Despite the rise, CV production for the first eight months of the year was still 4% lower than the same period in 2010.

The number of engines produced rose by 14.4 per cent in August and is up 4.8 per cent compared with 2010.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT, said the figures indicated that a "manufacturing-led recovery" is set to offer a long-term boost to the economy thanks to a recent surge in private investment.

He added: "We are on target to exceed 2010 production volumes this year, with more growth to come in 2012. Government must continue to encourage and incentivise private sector investment in research and development, skills and capital equipment to maintain momentum and deliver lasting opportunities for the UK supply base."