UK car manufacturing hits eight year high

The UK's car factories hit new production highs in May, recording the month's highest output for eight years.

According to the latest figures by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the country's automotive plants manufactured 141,146 cars in May, the month's highest throughput since 2004.

The month on month hike was a hefty 42.2%, with year to date volumes up 17.3%. UK engine manufacturing also rose 13.4%, as year to date volumes topped the one million mark.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said the performance was a 'sizable recovery' against volumes hampered by last year's Japanese tsunami.

"This boost, coupled with robust year to date results demonstrates the strength of UK automotive manufacturing and shows why it continues to attract high levels of international investment," he commented. "While commercial vehicle output remains subdued, in line with restrained levels of demand, the year's engine output volume passed one million in May and is more than 40,000 units ahead of last year."

Author
Laura Hopperton

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