UK car production up in October

Figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed a rise in UK car production for the month of October.

UK car production rose 6% versus the same month a year ago, the SMMT said with the total number of cars produced at 112,798.

For the year-to-date, car production is 31% higher than in the same period last year, the Society added.

Meanwhile, it was another strong month for commercial vehicles, with output growing by a staggering 47.1% to 11,674.

Commenting on today’s figures, Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: “The vehicle production rise last month signals steady improvement in global vehicle markets and the strength of the UK product line-up.”

Earlier this month, the SMMT announced UK car sales fell by 22.2% in October compared with the same month in 2009.

It represented the fourth consecutive monthly fall but was expected due to the withdrawal of the scrappage scheme.

The motor industry was recently boosted by the scrappage scheme. The £400 million initiative, which was launched in May 2009 to boost the ailing car industry, paid drivers of cars at least 10 years old £2,000 off the price of a new vehicle.

However, the ‘cash for bangers’ scheme ended on 31 March.

Mr Everitt concluded that the Government needs to continue with its commitment to the UK motor industry and encourage investment in “research and development (R&D), skills and capital equipment.”

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