Car and CV production remain strong in September

British car and commercial vehicle production posted healthy growth in September, reports SMMT

British car production posted healthy growth in September, up 15.5% from last year, according to figures published today by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

A total of 158,281 new cars were recorded in September, bringing the total for the year-to-date to 1.2 million, a 3.3% year-to-date increase on 2014.

As seen in previous months, production for the UK market led the way with a gain of 20.1% – but new car exports were not far behind with a robust 13.9% increase in volumes.

September’s results follow latest industry projections that set British car manufacturing on track to achieve record production levels by 2020.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “After the regular summer break, manufacturing plants were back in full swing in September and the gains made by the UK’s car makers are positive. Particularly encouraging is the recent upturn in exports, which are higher than they were in 2014, reflecting growth in key overseas markets such as the rest of Europe.

“The UK’s recent manufacturing successes are hard won and the sector will need ongoing investment and innovation to maintain global automotive competitiveness.”

The SMMT has also revealed that UK commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing has significantly improved in September, more than doubling its output.

With key new models now up to full production – and buoyed by the ongoing recovery in European market – output in the month increased 103.6% over September last year with 9,811 commercial vehicles built. Manufacturing for both domestic and export markets made strong gains, with volumes up 94.3% and 113.9% respectively.

Hawes added: "The British commercial vehicle industry’s continued recovery is great to see, with significant investments into new models reaping benefits and helping overcome structural changes. Manufacturers are capitalising on increasing demand for CVs across the rest of the EU – the sector’s principal export market – as well as in the UK, where registrations have grown consistently throughout this year."