UK car plants are really motoring

January's car output was up 15% over the year

Car production accelerated strongly last month, official figures have shown.

A total of 127,382 cars were made in the UK in January 2012 – a 15.6% rise on the January 2011 total, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

This was the eighth successive monthly rise and the biggest increase for 16 months.

But commercial vehicle production dipped slightly last month – decreasing 1.2% to 9,844. Engine production was up 5% to 227,161, however.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “UK car production continues to drive manufacturing growth and a rebalancing of the economy.

“Success in markets around the world is a tribute to the quality and competitiveness of UK production facilities, management and employees.

“It is essential that government and industry continue the successful partnership that has helped deliver new investment and supply chain opportunities to secure long-term prosperity and jobs.”