According to new figures from the SMMT, car output rose by 17.4% to 160,854 units in October, the largest monthly increase in UK car manufacturing this year.
The year-to-date figures of the number of cars produced in the UK totalled at 1,286,287 – an increase of 5.4%.
“UK car manufacturing for the home market increased strongly in October raising the year’s performance 26.6% ahead of 2012,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. “More than 15 brands build 50-plus models of car across the UK with volume and niche offerings providing a wealth of choice for our home and export markets. With European demand showing early signs of recovery, we expect production to continue positively in the coming months.”
While manufacturing for the home market is up significantly at 52.4%, exports increased by a strong 11.4%, with approximately half of UK exports going to Europe.
Following two months of decline, European demand is beginning to show signs of improvements, recording two consecutive months of growth.
UK engine output also grew a 6.5% in October to 254,480 units with 2,172,775 engines built so far in 2013, representing a steady 2.4% growth year-on-year.
However, only 7,825 commercial vehicles were produced in October this year, a comparative decline of 33.8%. Output of commercial vehicles for 2013-to-date is down 19.9% to 75,484 units
