The UK’s automotive plants manufactured 141,146 cars during May, the month’s highest output level since 2004.
Car manufacturing posted a 42.2% hike in May, with supply chain issues resulting from the Japanese tsunami slowing production this time last year.
Production for the year-to-date climbed to 636,923 units last month, a 17.3% increase on the number of cars made during the first five months of 2011.
The rise follows the £5.5bn investment committed to increasing capacity at Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan over the last 18 months.
Paul Everitt, chief executive at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which released the data, said that the figures represent “a sizable recovery against volumes hampered by last year’s Japanese tsunami.”
The automotive industry has turned its attention to developing the domestic supply chain and there is support from the Government with £125m worth of funding available to support industry with the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain initiative.
“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,” added Mr Everitt.
Commercial vehicle output remains subdued, in line with restrained levels of demand, falling 7.4% with just 9,445 vehicles produced.
However, the year’s engine output volume passed one million in May and is more than 40,000 units ahead of last year.
