UK car exports pass the million mark in 2016

Car manufacturing sees steady growth in September, according to the SMMT

UK car manufacturing reported steady growth in September, with a rise in production numbers and exports exceeding the million mark for the first time on record, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Production increased by 1% in September with 159,726 vehicles produced. Overall output for the first three quarters rose by 11% to 1,292,453 units, as production for global markets grew for a 14th consecutive month. Exports grew by 12% to hit 1,000,642. Overseas demand drove production by a 5% increase to 123,119 units, offsetting a 11% decline in production for the home market.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of SMMT, said: “British-built cars are in demand across the world as demonstrated by the double digit growth in exports this year, resulting in more than a million cars produced for international markets. The vast majority of cars manufactured here in the UK are destined for abroad and future growth will depend on securing our international competitiveness and the barrier-free access to major global markets that has enabled UK Automotive to thrive.”

Commercial vehicle manufacturing saw a decline by 1% this September, compared to last year when production more than doubled. Export demand for commercial vehicles rose by 17%, offsetting a 18% decline in the domestic market. Overall, the year-to-date commercial vehicle manufacture performance decreased by 3%.

“The drop in production last month comes as no surprise following the regulatory changes last year which significantly altered fleet renewal patterns. Despite the decline, the sector is broadly stable, with output remaining at a high level. Maintaining the competitive trading conditions currently delivered through membership of the single market and which underpin the strength of the sector will be critical to future performance,” added Hawes.