UK car production surges to seven-year high

UK car production boomed to a seven-year high in the first half of 2015, according to The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The industry trade body revealed that Britain produced a total of 793,642 vehicles between January and June, up 0.3 percent year-over-year to the highest half-year output since the global financial crisis in 2008.

In June the UK produced 143,759 vehicles, up 5.4% compared to the same month last year, with demand for exports driving the increase.

Cars built for export accounted for 80% of output in June.

Exports were up 9% to 115,408, while those built for the domestic market dropped 7.1% to 28,351.

The SMMT said that production volumes have increased by over 50% since 2009.

It also indicated that the UK car industry is growing on a global scale with “significant” investments planned.

Chief executive Mike Hawes said:

“Today’s figures are testament to the ever-increasing demand for the diverse, high-quality range of cars we make in the UK. The sector is ahead of the game on productivity, with investment in efficient, high-tech manufacturing processes and a highly skilled workforce resulting in huge gains over the past decade.

“This success has been built on significant industry investment and has also relied on a positive relationship with government, essential if the industry is to maintain its international competitiveness.”