23/01/2015

UK Car Production Highest Since 2007

UK car manufacturers produced 1,528,148 vehicles last year, the highest number since 2007.

In December, 108,721 cars were produced, a rise of 27.1% compared to December 2013.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "Placed in context, a 1.2% growth in UK car manufacturing in 2014 represents a very successful year. The industry has overcome various challenges, including slower than expected EU recovery and weakness in some global markets.

"More than £7 billion of investment into UK production facilities has been announced in the past two years, and we are now seeing the effects as new models begin production – with more expected in 2015.

"UK car manufacturing is now more diverse than ever, with a unique combination of volume, premium and specialist brands giving our products truly global appeal. This is epitomised by the doubling of car export values in the decade from 2005 to 2014."

(CD/JP)

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