Car manufacturing in the UK rose significantly by 15.6% in January, to 127,382.
Commercial vehicles output fell modestly by 1.2% for the month to 9,884, while engine production went up 5%, to 227,161.
“UK car production continues to drive manufacturing growth and a rebalancing of the economy,” said Paul Everitt, chief executive of SMMT.
“Success in markets around the world is a tribute to the quality and competitiveness of UK production facilities, management and employees. It is essential that government and industry continue the successful partnership that has helped deliver new investment and supply chain opportunities to secure long-term prosperity and jobs,” he added.
The announcement comes two days after rumours suggested GM might axe over 2,000 jobs in his Ellesmere Port facility (read the story here). Compared to the poor performance of car makers on the continent, however, Britain’s automotive industry is gaining momentum, with JLR and Nissan both reporting record sales and production numbers at the end of 2011.
In total, the industry has invested £4bn in future projects in the UK.
